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How long do I have to report an accident?
If I get in an accident, do I have to report it to my insurance company? If so, how long do I have?
Rachel Juillerat · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
You should always report an accident to your insurance provider, even when not filing a claim.
If you don’t report an accident to your insurance company but later to decide to file a claim, they may deny your claim and you will be financially responsible for damages and injuries.
Even if you do report an accident, know that is not the same as filing a claim. If you want to file a claim, do so sooner rather than later. Each company has its own
time limit
for filing a claim. Some companies expect a claim within days of the accident, whereas other companies have more leniency. Just know the longer it takes you to file a claim, the more complicated the situation becomes. For instance, if a car was severely damaged or if someone sustained serious injuries as a result of the accident, you need to file a claim so your insurance company can begin to take financial responsibility as deemed appropriate. Prolonging notifying your insurance of the accident could affect how damages and injuries are paid for, or even prevent people from paying for these.
Be sure to check with your insurance company. Waiting too long to file a claim means you risk your insurance company denying coverage, and then you will be held financially responsible.
If you are worried that reporting an accident is going to raise your premium, it might be time to look for a better deal.
Jerry
can help find the exact policy you have at a lower rate by comparing quotes from 50 top insurers, saving you time and money. View full answer
- Gregory R.
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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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