What happens if you dont tell your insurance about an accident

It may be tempting to avoid reporting an accident to your insurance company. It could lead to a rate increase, or even lost coverage if the company decides you've had one accident too many. However, failing to report the accident entirely can be risky as well. You may have to pay damages out of pocket, and the insurance company can drop your policy.

When Not to Call

If you get into a single-car accident that doesn't damage another vehicle or property, you don't need to report the incident. For example, Consumer Reports suggests you shouldn't report a low-speed impact like the kind that occurs if you back the car into your garage door. If the damage is below or close to your policy's deductible, there are no injury concerns, and there's no risk of anyone else filing a claim regarding the accident, you won't have to call the insurance company.

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Reporting Allows Investigation

In most cases, auto insurance policies require claims for accidents that do involve injury, another vehicle, someone else's property. The claim allows to company to determine who is at fault and what damages need to be paid. The companies don't make a distinction between minor or major damage. The time you have to file a claim varies depending on your insurance company guidelines, but all suggest you file as soon as possible after the accident. Waiting to file can limit the insurance company's ability to investigate the accident, and can be grounds for a denial.

Avoid the Risk

Even if you're convinced the accident wasn't your fault, or if the other driver initially claims responsibility, you take a risk by not reporting the accident. If there's a police report filed, or the other driver reports the claim to his insurance provider, your insurance company will be alerted anyway. In addition, informal private arrangements among drivers often fail to work out, according to Consumer Reports. If the other driver changes his mind and files suit against you, and you haven't reported the incident, it will be difficult for your insurance company to go back and investigate on your behalf.

Possible Repercussions

If you don't file a claim when you're required to do so, the insurance company can elect not to renew your policy, or perhaps cancel it entirely depending on state law and policy guidelines.In New York, for example, an insurance company can cancel a policy within the first 60 days of purchase for any reason that's documented in its underwriting guidelines. In New Jersey, if the insurer believes the failure to report is an attempt to commit fraud, it also can cancel your policy. Companies have to give notice prior to cancellation or an election not to renew in accordance with state law. Not filing a claim also leaves you with more to pay if the damage winds up being more extensive than originally thought.

Yes, you should call your insurance company if you were in a car accident that was not your fault. There are two main reasons for this. First, your insurance company may require you to contact them as outlined in your policy. Second, you may discover available coverage to help you with your damages, even if the accident is not your fault.

Before contacting your insurance company, you may want to consult our texting-while-driving accident lawyers in New York. An attorney can advise you on what to do after the accident, how to contact your insurance company, and what information you should provide. Your lawyer can also submit your claim on your behalf if you are recovering from injuries.

Why You Should Contact Your Insurance Company

There are several reasons why you should call your insurance after a car accident that was not your fault, such as:

New York Is a “No-Fault” Insurance State

When it comes to auto insurance, New York is a no-fault state, which means that your insurance company will reimburse you for damages regardless of who is responsible for your car accident, as clarified by the New York State Department of Financial Services.

Per the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, you are required to carry a minimum amount of coverage that includes:

$25,000/$50,000 for bodily injury/death per person
$50,000 /$100,000 for bodily injury/death for two or more people
$10,000 for property damage per accident

Your insurance policy may also contain other types of coverage or benefits that help you after an auto accident. Check with your provider to find out what coverage is in your policy.

Your Insurer May Require You to Contact Them

Almost every provider requires you to contact them if you have been injured or your vehicle has been damaged. If you fail to contact your insurance company, you may be penalized by a rate increase. The company may also cancel your coverage, citing that you failed to contact them.

Faster Car Repair and Medical Benefits

If you are waiting for the other driver’s insurance company to pay for your car repair, you may be waiting for several weeks or months. By contacting your insurance company, you may be able to arrange to get your car repaired faster and get on the road more quickly.

You may also have to pay out-of-pocket for some medical services. Contacting your insurer may give you access to coverage for medical treatment faster than waiting for the other driver’s insurance company to compensate you.

Information You Should Provide Your Insurer

When you contact your agent, you should be prepared to provide the information you collected such as:

Contact information (name, address, phone) of all parties involved in the auto accident
Insurance policy information of all drivers involved in the accident including the driver’s name, insurance provider, and the policy number
The law enforcement agency (sheriff, highway patrol, city police) that arrived on the scene of the accident
Location, time, and date of the accident
Details about the damage or your injuries, and, if possible, take photos or videos of the property and damage and your injuries

Make sure the information you provide to the insurer is clear, concise, and accurate. If there are any discrepancies in the information, it could work against your personal injury case. Provide only the facts and nothing else.

How Your Car Accident Attorney Can Help You With Your Claim

Ideally, it is best to consult a car accident lawyer in New York before you speak with your insurance company. Your lawyer can help you with all communication and advocate on your behalf. An experienced lawyer understands the claims process and the legal system in New York. As such, they know how to navigate your claim.

Our head-on collision accident attorneys can investigate your claim to assess what happened and who is at fault for your injuries. They can also obtain evidence of fault and liability, calculate your damages, and negotiate a fair settlement. A law firm can manage your entire case while you are recovering from your injuries.

What Your Insurance Might Pay if Someone Hit Your Car

Depending on your insurance coverage for your auto insurance policy, you should be covered, up to your coverage limits, whether or not you’re at-fault. You can add any of the following coverages to your policy for financial compensation:

Collision Coverage

When two cars crash, you hit an object or rollover, your collision insurance steps in to help pay for out-of-pocket expenses to your car, whether or not you were at-fault

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive insurance covers damage to your vehicle that happens from an incident that isn’t collision related such as storms, fires, floods, theft or vandalism.

Liability Coverage

Liability coverage can help pay the costs of damages and injuries to others if there is an accident and you were determined at-fault.

Medical Payments Coverage

You can get help paying medical bills for you, your family and the passengers in your car when you’re involved in an accident. You’ll also have protection if you were hit as a pedestrian.

Uninsured Coverage

These coverages can help pay for damages caused by drivers who either don’t have insurance or don’t have enough insurance to cover the costs.

New York Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims

After contacting your insurance, your car accident lawyer can advise you of any relevant New York state laws that could impact how much compensation you receive and if you have time to file your lawsuit.

According to New York Civil Law §214.4, victims of personal injury claims have three years from the date of their accident to file a claim with the court system. Your attorney can advise you of any circumstantial factors that could extend this statute of limitations for your case.

Contact Morelli Law Firm After Your Car Accident

No matter the circumstances, you should contact your insurance if you were in a car accident that was not your fault. Then contact Morelli Law Firm. Our legal team has the resources and staff necessary to handle your case. We fight to protect your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve for your damages.

What happens if I don't tell my insurance?

Your claims could be rejected. Claims made against you might not be paid out. You could face additional charges. You might have to tell future insurance companies about your non-disclosure.

Should I let my insurance know if it wasn't my fault?

Yes. Regardless of fault, it is important to call your insurance company and report any accident that involved injuries or property damage. A common myth is that you do not need to contact your insurance company if you were not at fault.

How long do you have to report a car accident in Maryland?

the reporting of car accidents is governed by Maryland Transportation Code 20-107. This law states you must report a car accident that results in bodily injuries or death to the Motor Vehicle Administration within 15 days.

What happens if I lie to my car insurance?

Your Policy May Be Canceled. If you lie to your insurance company about the cause, injuries, and other details of your car wreck, you risk losing your policy completely. Insurance companies do not want to work with individuals who lie and try to take their money.