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Do you need to report minor accidents to your car insurance?

I got into a minor accident and there are only a few scratches on my car. The other car wasn't damaged. Do I still need to inform my insurance?

avatar
Emily Maracle · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
“While you aren’t required to report minor accidents to your
car insurance company
, it’s recommended that you do.
Even if you don’t plan on submitting a claim, your insurance should be aware of the accident. While the other car wasn’t damaged, some drivers may still file a third-party claim against you, especially if they feel an injury or notice car damage days later. If your insurance isn’t aware that the accident happened, it could affect the coverage they provide.
If you realize that you have additional damages to your vehicle after an accident or you get an estimate that’s far beyond what you anticipated, you can’t submit a claim either. Without disclosure of the accident, your insurance company legally has a right to deny the claim.
If you still don’t want to inform your insurance of the accident, you should sign an agreement with the other driver stating neither of you will submit a claim.
Are you prone to accidents or have a poor driving record? You may want to consider adding collision coverage to your car insurance. Download the
Jerry
app to compare rates from over 50 top insurers.”
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

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