Is it illegal to not go through a car insurance agency after an accident?

Question

i live in pennsylvania, where it is required by law to have car insurance. i was in a small fender bender with another vehicle. it would be in my best interest to not go through my insurance company, because my rates would not rise and the damage is not so extreme that i cannot pay for it on my own. if the other person in the accident were to notify their insurance company, who would then notify mine, would my company then require that i go through them. or could i still choose to pay for it on my own, without having my rates rise???

thank you!

Answer 1

From the way I understand insurance, you should at least report the accident just to have it on record.  You do not have to file a claim for repairs.  I think the only way your rate were to rise is if you put in a claim or if the other driver put in a claim against your insurance should you be the one at fault.

Answer 2

No, you're not required to go through your insurance.

If you were not at fault for the accident, it shouldn't make your rate go up so file the claim and get the car fixed.

If you were at fault and filed the claim, your rate will probably go up. However, if you do not use your insurance, you are leaving yourself open for a law suit. You are at the mercy of the other person. What if the other driver calls and says the damage is $15,000? If you refuse to pay that much they can sue you for it. Regardless of if they actually win the case you will still have spent more time, money, and have more stress than if you simply went through your insurance company and paid the higher rate.

Answer 3

stacy m, I suggest you find a local auto insurance agent to assist you. Since I live in Iowa I can't recommend anyone in Pennsylvania, but here is an online resource that can help you. http://www.autoadviceonline.com/Free-Aut...



Good Luck.

Answer 4

you are not required to inform your insurance of any incident that happens to your car, but you are better off if you do, especially if someone is injured or killed or a vehicle needs to be towed.  you should definately inform your insurance if you are or found to be at fault by the investigating police officer as their will surely be a lawsuit involved and your insurance will help to defend you.

Answer 5

Insurance companies LOVE it when you don't go through the insurance.  You've been paying all that money and you don't want to get any of it back.

And yes is is legal.  But both drivers have to agree to go through it with out the insurance.  If either driver reports, it the deal should be off.

Good Luck...

Answer 6

Really it depends on who's fault it is. If it was his fault, notify your insurance, his insurance will be charged for both repairs and his rates will go up, not yours.

If it was yours, he'll notify his insurance and your rates will rise regardless. The only thing you can do to avoid his reporting it is cut him a check for his repairs.

But reporting an accident is not the same as submitting a claim, I'd report it regardless of your planned action.

Answer 7

You do not need to tell your insurance company if you prefer to handle it on your own.  If your carrier should find out I hardly think they will be upset that they dont have to pay for a claim.