What is the law regarding the reporting of a car accident to your insurance company?
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What is the law regarding the reporting of a car accident to your insurance company?
A few weeks ago I made a scratch on my neighbor’s car. After 3 weeks he made and estimation for $1300. State las requires to file on an accident in 10 days if damage is more than $750. I gave him my insurance and asked to file a claim (I didn’t contact my insurance yet). He is saying that we must say that accident happened few days ago and not few weeks because DMV will suspend my license for not reporting an accident in time. Is that true? How could I know that damage is more than 750? It’s just a minor scratch.
Asked on November 10, 2011 under Accident Law, California
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
There are no laws regarding reporting an accident that one is involved in to his or her insurance company. Rather the requirement to report the accident to the insurance carrier is a contractual obligation under the express terms of all insurance policies.
Delay in reporting an accident to one's carrier may result in no coverage for the incident. I would report the incident to your insurance agent and let the carrier handle it. From what you have written, the accident does not seem very serious. Good luck.
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