Let’s say you’re driving responsibly, obeying traffic laws, and suddenly—bam—someone rear-ends you at a stoplight. You’re shaken but unhurt. The other driver admits fault. You exchange information and think, “Great, I’ll let their insurance take care of it.” So you don’t call your own insurer.
That would be a mistake.
Even when you’re not to blame for a car accident, skipping the call to your insurance company can create bigger problems than the crash itself. Here’s why that short, simple phone call can save you a long, complicated mess later.
The Myth of “It’s Not My Problem”
Many people assume that if they didn’t cause the accident, they don’t need to involve their insurance. After all, why would your provider pay for someone else’s mistake?
Here’s the reality: when you bought that policy, you agreed to tell your insurer about accidents. Failing to report one could violate that agreement, giving your provider a reason to deny coverage, delay help, or even cancel your policy.
It doesn’t matter if you think the crash is minor or if the other driver promised to “handle everything.” No report means no paper trail—and that can lead to trouble.
No Report, No Record
Reporting the crash builds a foundation for your case, even if you never intend to “build” anything further. You’re creating an official record by making a call and documenting what happened. That’s crucial if:
- The other driver changes their story
- Their insurance denies your claim
- You discover injuries days later
- Repairs cost more than expected
Without that early report, proving any of those things becomes harder. Your word alone won’t hold much weight when no official record backs it up.
Your Insurance Isn’t Just There for When You Mess Up
In many states, especially those with no-fault systems, your insurance is the first place you turn—even when someone else is clearly responsible. Some policies also include uninsured motorist coverage, med-pay, or other benefits you might need access to immediately.
But guess what? You could lose access to those benefits if you wait too long or don’t report the crash.
Keep It Simple—And Smart
When you do make the call, keep it straightforward. Think: who, what, where, and when; this isn’t the time to guess what the other driver was thinking or apologize for anything. Stick to the facts.
Also, don’t let an adjuster pressure you into giving a recorded statement. You’re not legally obligated to do that on the spot. Speaking too soon—before all the facts are clear—could backfire if your words get taken out of context.
Paper Trails Aren’t Just for You
Insurance companies keep detailed notes—and so should you. When you speak with your insurer, write down:
(1) The name of the adjuster you spoke with
(2) Your claim number
(3) Any deadlines or next steps they mention
(4) Any promises or timelines they give you
These details could be your backup plan if delays or inconsistencies occur later. Insurers are just as capable of making mistakes as drivers.
When in Doubt, Lawyer Up
If the accident wasn’t your fault, you might think you don’t need legal help. But insurance companies—yours included—are still businesses. Their goal is to minimize what they pay. A car accident lawyer can step in to protect your interests, communicate with adjusters on your behalf, and help you avoid common traps.
Sometimes, simply having legal representation changes the tone of your entire claim.
Final Thought: Make the Call
You might feel like calling your insurer after a no-fault accident is unnecessary. But it’s one of the most critical steps to protect yourself, legally, financially, and practically.
A five-minute phone call could be the difference between a resolved claim and a long, frustrating battle. Silence doesn’t save you when it comes to crashes—it exposes you.
Our personal injury team has helped many victims secure fair compensation. Call attorney Christopher Frey today at 813-222-8210 for assistance.
The information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Please contact a licensed attorney to discuss the facts and circumstances of your case.