The Short Answer:
Yes, you should call your insurance company after a minor accident, even if it seems small or no one appears hurt. Your policy likely requires you to report it, and doing so protects you if the other driver later files a claim or if hidden damage is found. Even low-speed crashes can result in repair bills, medical issues, or legal concerns down the road.
At Lowry Law, our experienced Maine car accident lawyers know how confusing these situations can be. That’s why we’re here to guide you through the aftermath of a minor car accident, including how to deal with insurance companies.
Key Takeaways
- Minor accidents still need attention. Even fender benders can lead to hidden damage, medical issues, or insurance complications later.
- Reporting the accident is often required. Many insurance policies mandate that all accidents must be reported to avoid coverage issues.
- Delaying or skipping notification can cost you. Not contacting your insurer could result in denied claims, legal risk, or paying out of pocket.
- Stick to the facts when speaking to insurers. Avoid admitting fault or speculating, and simply provide accurate, documented details of the incident.
- Lowry Law helps protect your rights. From talking to adjusters to navigating complex claims, our Maine-based attorneys help you avoid costly mistakes and recover what you may be owed.
Table of Contents
- What Is Considered a Minor Car Accident?
- Should You Tell Your Insurance About a Minor Accident?
- What Happens If You Don’t Contact Your Insurance After an Accident?
- What Should I Say to My Insurance Company After a Minor Accident?
- What Not to Say to Your Insurance Company After an Accident
- Should I Speak to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company?
- What Else Should I Do After a Minor Accident?
- Why a Minor Accident Deserves Major Legal Support
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Protect Yourself Today: Contact Lowry Law
What Is Considered a Minor Car Accident?
A minor car accident usually means:
- No serious injuries
- Minor or cosmetic vehicle damage
- Both cars are drivable
- The scene is calm and cooperative
Examples include a small fender bender in a parking lot or a light bump at a stoplight. However, even if things seem minor, complications can arise later.
Should You Tell Your Insurance About a Minor Accident?
Yes, you should tell your insurance company even if you’re not at fault or don’t plan to file a claim.
Why Should You Report a Minor Accident?
- Policy compliance: Many insurers require you to report all accidents.
- Future protection: If the other driver files a claim days or weeks later, your insurer can back you up.
- Hidden costs: Vehicle damage or medical symptoms (like whiplash) can show up later. Insurance may cover repairs or medical expenses.
- Accident investigation: Reporting the accident helps document the situation, so your insurance company can investigate and determine fault.
What Happens If You Don’t Contact Your Insurance After an Accident?
Failing to notify your insurer could result in:
- Breach of contract: You could lose coverage for the incident.
- Denied claims later on: If damage or injury pops up later, your claim may be rejected.
- Out-of-pocket expenses: You may have to pay everything on your own, even if the other driver was at fault.
Can You Just Pay Out of Pocket?
In some cases, people want to “handle it themselves” to avoid premium increases. While this might sound appealing:
- The damage may cost more than expected.
- You can’t always trust the other driver.
- If they later file a claim, you’re unprotected.
If you choose this route, get everything in writing, document the scene, and understand the risks.
What Should I Say to My Insurance Company After a Minor Accident?
When calling your insurance company after a minor car accident, your goal is to report the facts clearly and accurately without making assumptions or accepting blame. The adjuster’s job is to investigate the incident, not just rely on what you say.
Stick to These Key Points:
- Date, time, and location of the accident
- Basic facts only: who was involved, how it happened, and where the damage occurred
- Vehicle damage and injuries: describe visible issues, but avoid saying “I’m fine” until you’ve been checked by a doctor
- Witnesses: share any names and contact information, if available
- Photos and documents: let them know you’ve taken pictures and whether a police report was filed
What Not to Say to Your Insurance Company After an Accident
Be honest, but careful. Avoid:
- Admitting fault (even if you’re trying to be polite)
- Guessing details (“I think I was going 30 mph…”)
- Saying you feel fine (injuries can surface later)
- Downplaying the damage (“It’s just a scratch”)
Should I Speak to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company?
If the other driver’s insurance company contacts you, do not give a recorded statement or sign anything without consulting a lawyer first. You are not legally required to speak with the other driver’s insurer, and their goal is to reduce what they owe.
At Lowry Law, we’ll communicate with the insurers on your behalf, protect your legal rights, and help you avoid saying something that could hurt your case later. Reach out to us before you speak to an adjuster or agree to a settlement.
What Else Should I Do After a Minor Accident?
Even in a low-speed collision, the moments after an accident can be confusing. Taking the right steps early on helps protect your health, your finances, and any potential insurance or legal claim. Here’s what to do:
- Move to safety and turn on your hazard lights. Get out of the flow of traffic if possible to prevent further accidents.
- Exchange info (insurance, license plates, contact info). Make sure to gather details from all involved drivers, passengers, and any witnesses.
- Take photos of both vehicles and the accident scene. Document damage, road conditions, vehicle positions, and any visible injuries.
- Seek medical attention even if you feel fine. Some injuries can take hours or days to appear. Getting evaluated by a doctor creates a medical record that protects your health and your claim.
- Don’t admit fault to anyone at the scene. Stay calm and polite, but don’t say “I’m sorry” or speculate about what happened.
- Report the accident to your insurance company. Notify them as soon as you can, even if you don’t think you’ll file a claim.
- Consider filing a police report, especially if injuries or major damage are involved. A police report adds an official record that may support your case later.
- Talk to a car accident lawyer if you’re unsure about your next steps. Legal advice early on can help you avoid common mistakes and pursue the compensation you may be entitled to.
Why a Minor Accident Deserves Major Legal Support
Even a minor accident can lead to big headaches—unexpected medical bills, denied insurance claims, or being blamed for something that wasn’t your fault. That’s where Lowry Law steps in. Our trusted attorneys help drivers across Maine protect their rights and finances after accidents of all sizes.
- We deal with the insurance company, so you don’t have to. We know how to handle adjusters, prevent lowball offers, and make sure your words aren’t used against you.
- We uncover hidden costs and damages. What looks like a small fender-bender could actually involve thousands in repairs or injury care. We’ll help you calculate what your case may really be worth.
- We help you avoid expensive mistakes. Saying the wrong thing to your insurer or the other driver can cost you. We’ll advise you on what to say and what not to.
- We offer peace of mind when things get messy. Not sure if you’re at fault? Frustrated with a slow or unfair claim process? We’ve got your back.
Your first consultation is always free, because getting answers shouldn’t come with pressure or a price tag. Protect yourself and your future and reach out to Lowry Law today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Every insurance policy is different, but most require you to report an accident “promptly” or “within a reasonable time frame,” which often means within 24 to 72 hours. Delaying too long could violate your policy terms and result in denied coverage. It’s best to notify your insurer as soon as possible to protect your rights.
Insurance payouts for minor accidents vary widely based on the type of coverage, who was at fault, and the extent of the damage or injuries. If you have collision or liability coverage, your insurer may pay for vehicle repairs, medical expenses, and property damage (minus your deductible). In some cases, a minor accident claim could be a few hundred dollars, while others may total several thousand depending on hidden damage or injury treatment.
After a minor accident, your insurance premium may increase depending on your insurance provider, state laws, driving history, and fault determination. If it’s your first accident and you have accident forgiveness, your rates might not rise at all. However, if you’re found at fault, you may see a noticeable increase at your next renewal.
In Maine, you are legally required to report any accident that results in injury, death, or property damage of $2,000 or more to law enforcement immediately. Even if the accident seems minor, it’s a good idea to report it, especially if there’s any disagreement about what happened. A police report provides an official record of the incident, which can support your insurance claim and help establish fault if a dispute arises later.
Not always, but if you’re unsure about fault, dealing with pushy insurance companies, facing rising medical costs, or just want to avoid saying the wrong thing, it’s worth talking to a lawyer. An attorney can evaluate your case, protect your legal rights, and often help you recover more compensation than you’d get on your own, even after a seemingly minor crash.
Protect Yourself Today: Contact Lowry Law
If you’re asking yourself, “Should I call my insurance company after a minor accident?” you’re not alone, and the answer isn’t always as straightforward as it seems. The truth is, every accident has the potential to become more complicated than it looks at first glance.
At Lowry Law, we believe even a small crash deserves serious attention. We’ll help you understand your policy, avoid insurance pitfalls, and make sure your rights are protected.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll walk you through your next steps, help you make the smart call on reporting the accident, and stand by your side if you need to file a claim or defend your case.
