How long does it take to report a car accident?
This is not always possible, especially if the accident causes injuries. However, it is best to contact your insurer as soon as possible while the details are fresh. In some cases, insurers have deadlines for reporting accidents, so ask your agent or check your policy for details.
Your state's insurance code may also dictate how quickly you must report the accident. For example, New York is a “no-fault” state, meaning motorists must carry personal injury protection (PIP) that covers medical expenses for you and your passengers regardless of who is at fault in an accident. PIP does not pay for repairs to your vehicle or another driver's car. However, if someone is injured in a collision, New York's no-fault exemption law requires that you file a PIP claim within 30 days of the accident. If you are unsure of the rules in your state, check your auto insurance policy or contact your insurance agent to find out.
When you might not have to report an accident
Minor fender bends are common. If another driver is at fault for the fender bender, accepts responsibility and provides their contact information and insurance company information, you may not need to notify your insurer, but you will need to contact the other driver's insurer to file a claim. to your car. However, if you are at fault or if the accident caused any injuries, you should contact your insurer as soon as possible to tell your side of the story.
Remember that not reporting the accident to the insurance company can have unexpected consequences. For example, if another driver is at fault for a fender bender and agrees to pay out of pocket for the damage to his car, he may not act. Also, make sure you understand the reporting requirements of your car loan or lease agreement, if any, and the terms of your car insurance policy.
Report a car accident and report an insurance claim
Reporting an accident to the insurance company is not the same as submitting a claim. Carriers encourage you to report all accidents, but you can only file a claim if you have coverage to pay for repairs or medical expenses, such as collision insurance or medical payments. However, the reporting and claims processes require the same elements.
Photos of the scene and any damage
If you are involved in a traffic accident, document the scene and the vehicles involved. Record the exact time and location of the accident, as well as the weather conditions and other relevant information about the scene. Take pictures of damage to vehicles and other objects. You may not need to submit photos when reporting an accident, but you do when making a claim.
Contact details of other driver(s) and witnesses
Exchange information with other drivers, including contact information, insurance company names and policy numbers, car makes and models, and license numbers. If you witnessed the accident, ask for their contact information so that the police or insurance claims representative can request their statement. Your insurance company may not need this information if you just want to report an accident, but if you are filing a claim, you must.
DMV or police report
Some local and state laws dictate when you must file an accident report with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or the police. If a police officer responds to the scene of an accident and files a report, the insurance company will likely request a copy of it when filing a claim. If you only report an accident, the insurer may or may not request a police report.
A claim form
Application processes differ from provider to provider. Some companies submit accident claims online, over the phone or through a mobile app. In general, more information is required to file a claim than to report an accident. Also, make sure you have the right type of coverage for your claim. For example, to file a claim for damage to your car from an accident, you need collision coverage.
