How Long Do I Have to Report a Car Accident to The Insurance Company?

If you’ve been in a car accident, one of the first things you have to deal with is insurance. Failing to properly notify your insurance company can have major consequences and impact your ability to get your claim paid out.

The timeframe for reporting an accident to your insurer is usually spelled out in your policy, but the deadlines vary depending on your state’s laws, too.

Why You Should Always Report a Car Accident Immediately

We always recommend contacting your insurance provider as soon as possible after a car accident, even if you don’t think you want to file a claim.

Here are some key reasons why prompt reporting is in your best interest:

Avoid Denial of Your Claim

Insurance companies can outright deny your claim if you wait too long to report the accident. Most policies require you to notify them within 24-48 hours. Failure to do so could mean you lose your right to compensation, even if the accident clearly wasn’t your fault.

Preserve Evidence

The sooner you report, the better chance important evidence from the accident scene will still be available. Photos, skid marks, debris, and other documentation will help reconstruct what happened. Eyewitness accounts are also fresher immediately after the crash.

Get Your Version on Record

Provide your insurance company with your account of how the accident occurred when details are still clear in your mind. This creates an official record of your statement.

Expedite the Claims Process

Notifying your insurer quickly starts the claims process rolling so you can get your car repaired or receive compensation for injuries faster. The longer you wait, the more delays in getting your life back to normal.

Time Limits to Report Accidents in New York

How long do you actually have to report a crash? In New York, most auto insurance policies require you to report accidents as soon as possible or within a “reasonable” timeframe, though policies can specify stricter windows like 24 or 48 hours.

New York laws also states that drivers must file an accident report within 10 days if an accident involves any injuries or deaths. So check your specific insurance policy, but ideally you should report any accident involving substantial damage or injuries within 24-48 hours.

What to Do at the Accident Scene

Before calling your insurance company, make sure to take a few key steps immediately after the accident:

• Seek medical attention if anyone is injured. This comes first above all else.
• Contact the police so an official accident report can be filed.
• Take photos and video of the accident scene and damage to all vehicles.
• Exchange insurance and contact information with the other involved drivers.
• Look for eyewitnesses and get their contact information.

Taking these steps right away preserves important evidence and gets the necessary information you’ll need for your claim.

Notifying Your Insurance Provider

As soon as possible after leaving the accident scene, call your insurance company’s claims hotline to report the incident. Provide basic details like the time and location of the accident, other vehicles involved, and a brief description of what happened.

Ask what their time limit is for reporting accidents under your specific policy. Confirm whether you met the required timeframe or will need to provide a written explanation for late reporting. Getting written confirmation is wise anytime you speak to an insurance representative on the phone.

Follow up the call by submitting the claim in writing as instructed. Include copies of the police report, photos/video, and any other evidence you collected.

Consequences of Failing to Report in Time

Unfortunately, if you miss your insurance company’s deadline for reporting the accident, it can negatively impact your ability to receive compensation. Here are some potential consequences:

• Claim denial – Your insurance company may outright deny your claim for failing to report the accident in time. This leaves you responsible for all repair and medical bills.
• Coverage limits – Even if they don’t fully deny the claim, your insurer may cap compensation at a lower amount than if you had reported promptly.
• Rate increases – Late reporting can cause your insurance company to hike your monthly premiums, costing you more money.
• Future coverage drops – Too many late accident reports can prompt your provider to non-renew your policy. This makes it hard to find affordable coverage going forward.

The bottom line is reporting your accident on time preserves both your legal right and practical ability to receive compensation for your damages. Don’t jeopardize that by delaying notification to your insurance company.

When to Call a Car Accident Attorney

Dealing with insurance claims can quickly get complicated, especially if your damages are severe or liability for the wreck is disputed. An experienced car accident attorney can help maximize your compensation and ease the burden on you.

Situations where contacting a lawyer is a good idea include:

• You missed your insurer’s timeframe for reporting the accident. An attorney may still be able to successfully appeal a denial of your claim.
• You were seriously injured and expect significant medical bills and lost wages. A lawyer can make sure you receive full compensation.
• The insurance companies involved are blaming you for the accident when you don’t believe you were at fault. An attorney can fight to prove the other driver’s liability.
• The insurance settlement offer seems unreasonably low compared to your damages. An attorney can assess if it’s a lowball offer and negotiate more compensation.
• You simply feel overwhelmed dealing with insurance adjusters and paperwork on your own. Turn it over to a legal professional.

Don’t Delay Reporting a Car Accident

Being involved in a vehicle collision can derail your life with car repairs, medical bills, missed work, and insurance claims. Make sure you don’t jeopardize your right to fair compensation by failing to report the accident to your insurance provider promptly. Most policies require notification within 24-48 hours.

At Held, Held & Held, our car accident lawyers have helped many injured victims in Brooklyn and surrounding areas pursue maximum compensation for their damages. Call us today — we’re here to help you recover and move forward.