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<\/span>Jerry pulls up to 20 quotes from top rated carriers.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Filing a claim isn’t always the best choice. Claims can raise your car insurance costs<\/strong>, even if you weren\u2019t at fault, and can stay on your insurance record for several years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Anyone is injured.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n Damage is significant.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n The other driver was at fault.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n You need to use rental reimbursement coverage because your car is being repaired.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n There’s a possibility of a lawsuit.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Damage to your car is less than your deductible<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n The accident was your fault, but damage is minor and you can afford to pay for it out-of-pocket.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n Key takeaway:<\/strong> File a claim when injuries, significant damage or fault disputes are involved. If your car\u2019s damage costs less than your deductible, or you can afford out-of-pocket repairs, avoiding filing a claim means your rates won\u2019t go up.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n The more evidence you gather at the scene, the smoother your claims process will be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Immediately after the accident, collect the following information from other drivers involved<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83e\udeaa Driver\u2019s information:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\ude97 Vehicle and insurance information:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Be sure to also document the accident with photo and video evidence<\/strong>, including photos of car damage, plus any witness information. This information will be helpful for your claims process.<\/p>\n\n\n Jerry recommends:<\/strong> Avoid admitting fault or saying “I’m sorry” at the scene of the accident, even if you think you might be at fault<\/a>. Let the insurance companies and police determine fault based on the evidence.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n A police report provides an official, unbiased account of the accident and can be crucial for your claim<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Get the responding officer’s name and badge number, and ask for the police report number. In some states (like California<\/a>), if anyone is injured or property damage is above $750, you must also report the accident to the DMV<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You should file a police report if:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\ude91 Anyone is injured.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udca5 There’s significant car damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83c\udf7a The other driver appears intoxicated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\ude97 The other driver is uncooperative or leaves the scene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2753 It’s unclear whose fault the accident was.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udee3\ufe0f The accident occurred on a highway or public road.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n Key takeaway:<\/strong> A police report creates an official record of the accident that can strengthen your insurance claim. Always file one if there are injuries<\/strong>, significant damage, or any dispute about fault.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Report the accident to your insurer as soon as possible, ideally the same day<\/strong>. Most policies require prompt notification, and delays could delay your claim being paid out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In some cases, you may need to also contact the other driver\u2019s insurance company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Which insurance company to contact:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nWhen to file a car insurance claim<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Step 1: Collect information and document the accident<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Step 2: File a police report<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Step 3: Contact your insurance company<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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