When It May Be Best NOT to File an Automobile Insurance Claim

When It May Be Best NOT to File an Automobile Insurance Claim

Your neighbor Bob may tell you one thing. Cousin Jeff may tell you another. It seems everybody has an opinion. When should you file an insurance claim with your automobile insurance company and when should you just try to take care of the consequences on your own?

The discussion usually centers around the potential rate increases you could see in your automobile insurance if you file a claim. There’s much more to consider, however. So, when should you file a claim and when may it be best to NOT file an automobile insurance claim?

You put a small dent in a car owned by someone else.

It can be tempting to settle this type of claim privately. The problem is you don’t know who you may be dealing with and they may request more funds in the future. You should file a claim in this situation.

You cause an accident that involves injuries.

When injuries are involved in an incident you caused, it is critical you contact your insurance company. This could eventually involve significant medical bills and you want the support of your insurer.

You cause significant damage to another vehicle.

Because there may be more damage than initially thought, you should always let your insurance company know if you cause an accident with serious damage.

You cause serious accidental damage to your own car.

You may want consider whether or not to make a claim under this circumstance based on your deductible and on the possibility your rates could go up upon renewal. Of course, if you just have liability coverage, there will be no need to file a claim.

You cause minor damage to your own car.

If you only have liability coverage or if damage is less than your deductible amount, there is no need to file a claim with your insurance company. Even if damage is slightly more than your deductible, you may be better off handling the situation on your own.

In reality, there are few circumstances when you will not want to notify your insurance company of an incident. This is particularly true if injuries are involved.

Do you have sufficient automobile insurance for your situation? We can help. Contact our independent insurance agents and get a no-obligation insurance review and quote. You may just find improved coverage at a more affordable price. Get more for your money when you contact us for your automobile insurance needs.


Do you have questions about your insurance? Find an insurance agent near you with our Agent Finder

Buzz Your
Insurance Agent

Search for a local agent with our agent finder map.

Agent Finder

Search All Blogs

Generic filters
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Search in excerpt

Buzz Your
Insurance Agent

Search for a local agent with our agent finder map.

Agent Finder

Want to learn more about our blog writer?

Read more about KayLynn's background.

Click Here

Search All Blogs

Generic filters
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Search in excerpt

When Branches Become Brawls: Who Pays When a Tree Attacks Your House?

Neighborly Nightmare: Tree Trouble and Your Homeowner’s Insurance

From Pet Rocks to Pokémania: A Funtastic Journey Through 50 Years of Fads

A Look Back, and a Look Forward

Don’t Be a Sitting Duck: Essential Cybersecurity Tips for Small Businesses

Don’t Leave Your Data Unlocked: Cybersecurity isn’t just about online threats.

Beyond “My Beloved Spouse”: A Guide to Choosing Your Life Insurance Beneficiary

The Beneficiary Bunch: Understanding Your Options

Rental Car Roulette: Should You Spin the Wheel on Extra Insurance?

Should You Spin the Wheel on Extra Insurance?

Bundling Up Your Homeowners Insurance: A Money-Saving Masterclass (or Myth?)

So, Should You Bundle? The Million-Dollar Question…

Bringing Home Baby: A Guide to Navigating the Joyful Chaos

Beyond the Bump: Embracing the Joys and Challenges of First-Time Parenthood

See It All, Secure It All: The Hidden Benefits of Video Surveillance for Your Business

Beyond Security Cameras: Unveiling the Hidden Gems of Video Surveillance for Businesses

Life on the Edge? How Your Hobbies Can Affect Your Life Insurance Rates

Beyond the Premium: Unveiling the Unexpected Links Between Hobbies and Life Insurance

The Costly Consequences of a DUI: Beyond the Backlash

Behind the Bars, Behind the Wheel: The Shocking Price Tag of a DUI