Do I Need to Call My Insurance If I Hit Someone?

Car accidents, even minor ones, can be disorienting and stressful experiences. Understanding the proper protocol following an incident, particularly when another party is involved, can significantly impact the outcome and streamline subsequent processes.

Immediate Actions After an Accident

Following an accident, the immediate priority is safety for everyone involved. If safe, vehicles should be moved to the side of the road or a nearby safe location to prevent further collisions. Turning on hazard lights alerts other drivers and improves visibility. Check for injuries among all occupants of your vehicle and any other involved parties, including pedestrians.

Contact emergency services by calling 911 if anyone is injured, if there is significant property damage, or if the roadway is blocked. The police report created by law enforcement provides an official, unbiased account of the accident, which is invaluable for insurance purposes. Exchanging information with the other driver or involved parties is an important step once immediate safety concerns are addressed. This includes collecting full names, contact numbers, and driver’s license numbers from all drivers.

Obtain the other driver’s insurance company name and policy number, along with their vehicle information, including the make, model, year, and license plate number. If property damage occurred, secure contact details for the property owner. Documenting the accident scene thoroughly helps preserve evidence and provides context for later review. Take photos or videos of vehicle damage from multiple angles, the overall accident scene, relevant road conditions, and any nearby traffic signs or signals.

Notifying Your Insurance Provider

After addressing immediate safety concerns and gathering necessary information at the scene, contacting your insurance provider is a necessary next step. Most auto insurance policies contain a clause mandating prompt notification of any accident, regardless of perceived fault or severity. Failing to report an incident within a reasonable timeframe can be considered a breach of contract. This obligation ensures that the insurance company can begin its investigation and fulfill its responsibilities under the policy terms.

The timing of this call is important; it should occur as soon as it is safe after the accident. Waiting too long could complicate the claims process and jeopardize coverage. When contacting your insurance company, be prepared to provide specific details about the incident. This includes the exact date, time, and location of the accident, along with a concise description of what occurred from your perspective.

You will also need to furnish the information collected at the scene regarding all involved parties and vehicles, such as names, contact details, and insurance policy numbers. If a police report was filed, providing the report number can assist your insurer in obtaining official documentation. This initial notification sets the claims process in motion and allows your insurance company to begin its assessment.

Understanding the Insurance Claims Process

Once your insurance provider has been notified of the accident, the claims process begins. The insurance company assigns a unique claim number for your incident and designates a claims adjuster to manage your case. This adjuster serves as the primary contact throughout the claims process and is responsible for investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident.

The adjuster’s role involves gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, reviewing police reports, and assessing the damage to all involved vehicles and property. They determine liability, which directly impacts coverage and payout. Following the liability assessment, the adjuster will arrange for an estimation of the damage to your vehicle. This can involve taking your vehicle to a preferred repair shop, or the insurer sending an appraiser to assess the damage.

Once the damage estimate is approved, you can proceed with repairs at a body shop of your choice or one recommended by your insurer. The settlement phase concludes the claims process, where the insurance company provides payment for covered damages, which might include vehicle repairs, medical expenses, or other losses. The payout typically goes directly to the repair facility or as reimbursement to you, depending on the arrangement.

Potential Implications of Not Reporting

Choosing not to report an accident to your insurance provider can lead to several adverse consequences. A primary risk is violating the terms of your insurance policy. Most policies explicitly state that policyholders must report all accidents, and failure to do so can result in the denial of coverage for any damages or injuries. This denial means your insurance company may refuse to pay for repairs to your vehicle, medical bills, or damages to the other party’s vehicle or property, leaving you personally responsible for these costs.

Beyond the immediate financial burden, not reporting an accident can expose you to significant financial liability. If the other party involved decides to pursue a claim for damages or injuries, and your insurance company denies coverage due to non-reporting, you could face substantial out-of-pocket expenses. This might include legal fees, settlement amounts, or court-ordered judgments. Such personal financial responsibility can be financially devastating, particularly in cases involving serious injuries or extensive property damage.

Additionally, there can be legal ramifications for failing to report certain types of accidents. Many jurisdictions have laws requiring drivers to report accidents above a certain damage threshold or those involving injuries to the Department of Motor Vehicles. Failing to meet these reporting requirements could result in fines, license suspension, or other legal penalties.