Why Contact Your Auto Insurance Agent After a Collision

Being involved in an auto accident can be a frightening experience, regardless of whether injuries are involved. Following a car crash, most auto insurance providers will require their policyholders to notify them within 24-72 hours. When a policyholder fails to notify their insurer it can result in loss of coverage.

Why You Must Notify Your Insurance Company After An Auto Accident

If you were in a motor vehicle collision that was caused by the negligence of another driver, you must file a claim with the other driver's insurance provider. However, you're also required to report the collision to your insurance provider. Most insurance companies will require policyholders to report the collision within 24-72 hours. If you're not certain about your insurer's accident reporting requirements, review your policy to determine when you must report the incident.

When a driver promptly reports a collision it allows their insurance company to open a claim immediately and help the driver with the next steps in the claims process. The insurer can also dispatch a claims adjuster to gather evidence at the accident scene, review the other driver's insurance policy, and review police reports. Additionally, the sooner a claim is opened, the sooner the driver's vehicle can be repaired and the accident victim can recover compensation for their other accident-related losses.

You May Be Denied Coverage in the Future

If you fail to report an accident to your insurer promptly, it can result in denied coverage for any claims that are related to the accident.

If you don't report the accident it could be considered misrepresentation or fraud. Failing to provide an insurance agent with accurate information regarding the accident could be grounds for denial of coverage. An insurance company needs to be notified as soon as possible to investigate the incident.

Higher Insurance Rates

If you fail to report an accident, it may not result in the denial of coverage, but your insurance rates may increase.

An insurance company considers a driver who does not report an accident to be a higher risk, which is why that driver's premiums will be adjusted accordingly. Reporting an accident as soon as possible will avoid loss of coverage, increased costs, and other complications.

Your Insurance Company Can Help Get Your Car Repaired Quickly

It can take several months for an insurance company to settle a claim. When an accident is reported promptly, the accident victim's coverage allows them to seek immediate repairs for their car instead of waiting until the accident claim is settled.

What Information Do I Need to Provide My Insurance Agent?

When reporting your accident to your insurer, you'll need to provide certain details about the collision, including:

• The time, date, and location of the accident
• Information about the other driver, including their name, driver's license number, phone number, license plate number, and insurance information.
• Details about the damage your vehicle sustained, including photos
• The police report number
• The contact information of any witnesses
• Details regarding any injuries you sustained in the collision

You must provide all the necessary details about the accident to ensure the insurance agent processes your claim properly. Reporting your accident promptly can also prevent additional costs and legal issues down the road.

What if the Other Driver Doesn't Have Auto Insurance?

If the other driver was not insured, you can still pursue compensation if you have uninsured motorist coverage. If you do have this type of coverage, you will need to file a claim with your own insurance company. Another option is to file a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent motorist. However, if the other driver was not able to afford auto insurance, they may not be able to pay you the award you win in court, if your case is successful.

Contact Us Today!

If you were involved in an auto accident that was caused by a negligent motorist, contact the auto accident lawyers at MVP Accident Attorneys today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. Our accident attorneys have extensive experience handling complex auto accident claims and know how to build a strong case that can help you recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and more.

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