I had a minor minor accident, the only damage with the cars are scratches, we did take each other's insurance information down though but she said that if the mechanic says nothing is wrong with her car then we don't have to do a claim. What I'm wondering is if this is illegal since we both really don't wanna go through insurance stuff, and she thinks it's my fault I think it's hers, the damage is minimal so we don't really care. Also if we agree not to do a claim, could she somehow backstab me and claim it like days/weeks/months later?
2007-07-26 20:18:43 · 7 answers · asked by Willy L 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Insurance & Registration
No, it's not illegal to not report a claim after an accident.
Yes, she can always claim it later. Even a year later.
I would just report it to your insurance company as a "notice only", not a claim. AFTER discussing it with your agent, who can tell you who's really at fault for this accident.
2007-07-27 03:00:33 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is no legal requirement outside of the contract you have with the insurance company (you agree to report any activity to the company when you accept coverage from them), but you may be legally obligated to report the accident to DMV (although most people probably do not, unless the police were called in).
Settling an accident on a handshake can work out, but you both have the legal right to bring a lawsuit at a later date (often up to 3 years later). At that time, you may not be able to defend yourself as well as you would have earlier.
If there is any exchange of money, you may want to get a notarized release from the other party, and she from you.
2007-07-26 21:02:27 · answer #2 · answered by Quizzical 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need a claim if you're going to ask the insurance company to pay for it. Since it was such a small mishap then it shouldn't be a problem. I don't think there would be anything she could do later on. The longer time passes the less of a case she would have.
2007-07-26 20:29:14 · answer #3 · answered by theanswerman 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most claims under a certain amount (500-1500 depending on state) do not have to be reported. She could claim later, but her insurance company will ask why she didn't do it right away.
2007-07-27 03:00:45 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If there is an agreement, get it in writing and notarized. My Sister had this happen and the other party went to the police station and filed a report (without notifying her) . They then waited a few months and filed a claim. She got out of it but it cost her time and money to do so.
2007-07-27 04:12:15 · answer #5 · answered by sensible_man 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nope, it's perfectly legal to not do a claim. Just make sure that both of you sign an agreement that you won't do a claim, so she doesn't backstab you and claim it later.
2007-07-26 21:06:21 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, neither of you is under any obligation to make a claim to your insurance companies.
And there's nothing to prevent her from making a claim against you in the future.
2007-07-27 04:17:41 · answer #7 · answered by Scott H 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋