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What happens if I don't tell my insurance company I was in an accident?

"I was in an accident where police couldn't determine fault. I didn't inform my insurance since I figured I could pay out of pocket for the damages.

Now the other driver's insurance is sending me a letter to discuss the loss. What should I do?"

Emily Maracle · Updated on Jul 27, 2021

Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.

“Although you had planned on paying for any repairs out of pocket, it would be best to reach out to your

company now. If the other driver is trying to submit a claim to your insurance, your insurance needs to be aware that there was an accident.

Even if police can’t determine who is at fault, insurance companies have adjusters who investigate accidents. Their job is to determine who was at fault and the amount of damages done. While you may not want to submit a claim to your insurance, you do pay a premium for them to help you.

If it’s determined you weren’t at fault, the other driver’s insurance will pay for your damages and you can avoid paying for anything out of pocket.”

View full answer

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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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