Q: I was in a small fender-bender when my car crashed into another car.  The damage was significant and everyone in the other car said they were okay.  I am afraid if I report the accident, my insurance rates will go up.  What should I do in this situation?

A: This is a question we get at our office all the time.  We tell our clients and our friends the same thing.  While it might be tempting not to report the accident in order to avoid all the headaches of dealing with our insurance company, not reporting the claim immediately to your insurance carrier could turn out to be a big mistake. 

What if the "other people" discovered they were hurt afterall?  What if the owner of the car now claims the damages were greater than what you thought they were at the time of the accident?  What are you going to do if the insurance company denies you coverage because you failed to make a timely report as required by your auto insurance policy?  What if you can't hire a lawyer to defend you?  What if you can't afford to pay the claim?

If you report the claim promptly, the insurance company will defend the claim and bear the expense, even if the claim was minor or even bogus.  So, bottom line:  Report the claim.  It makes no sense to do otherwise!

The Monahan Law Practice
300 North Pottstown Pike
Suite 210
Exton, PA 19341-2233

Phone: (610) 363-3888
Fax: (610) 363-2429