When not to file an auto insurance claim

if there are two or more parties involved in the accident

There are certain times when not to file an auto insurance claim makes sense. If you can successful negotiate damages, and come to an agreement (in writing), then you can probably get away with keeping the insurance company away. The most important thing to get from the other party is a release of any and all claims against you. All claims include, but they are not limited to �bodily injury claims�.

You need to secure the release for injuries; otherwise the other party will always have a potential claim against you. You need to do this even if the other party does not appear to be injured. If you are able to get this signed document (from everyone in that car provided that they are legal adults), then you have protected yourself from any frivolous lawsuit.

However, not notifying your insurance company can bring you a bigger headache later on. If you fail to notify the insurance company that a loss occurred, you are probably breaching the terms of the auto policy(duty to report losses). By reporting the claim, your insurance company will be required to provide coverage for your defense (hire an attorney), even if the lawsuit is frivolous.

So if you are asking when not to file an auto insurance claim if there are two or more vehicles, the answer really is that you should always notify the insurance company. You could tell them that you would take care of damages yourself, but if things get ugly then you could always call back. This will at least ensure future coverage in case of a lawsuit.

It is understandable that you want to keep your insurance payment low, however, not filing in time could put you in a bad spot. Having the ability to have the insurance hire you an attorney if it is require can save you much more than you will save in the monthly expense. So do not try to save on this one, it could cost you much more at the end.

You can always ask your insurance agent when not to file an auto insurance claim is more advantageous for you, but be wary of their answers. Agents want to discourage you from filing claims (the more claims they have the less bonus they get), so they will tell you that it is not your fault so you should not file. Determining fault is not the agent�s job; it is the claim adjuster that must determine that. So do not be fool by that. If the adjuster thinks that you are 10% at fault, then that is the number that goes, regardless of what the agent thinks. Be safe and notify the insurance company.

When not to file an auto insurance claim if there is only one vehicle