If you suffer a car accident, you might have a false impression that you should not call your insurance company. Though you should indeed exercise caution when it comes to speaking with your insurance company, that does not mean you should avoid using it altogether. After all, why else do you pay for the service?
According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, 312,988 motor vehicle crashes occurred on Illinois roads in 2019. You need to know what is in your best interest when dealing with insurance after a car crash because the odds are high that you will be in an accident at some point.
It can cost more in the long run
Failing to report an accident can incur penalties because it violates your insurance policy. If you avoid telling your insurance company because of a misplaced fear of increased premiums, you might pay more in the long run. Also, without a police or insurance report, the other driver can feign innocence and make it harder to pursue a claim.
Reporting does not mean filing a claim
Another thing to remember is that reporting your accident does not mean you must file a claim. Your rates might increase after a claim. However, reporting the accident to your insurance company might be sufficient without filing a claim. You can always talk to your insurance company through an attorney to better understand how much your rates might increase if you choose to file.
You need to think of your insurance company as a tool that improves your life when you use it properly. Insurance companies have resources and buying power that you do not have on your own. Work with an attorney after a severe motor vehicle accident and get the coverage you need.