Can I File an Insurance Claim if I Report the Accident the Next Day?
2 Answers
Yes. As long as you report the accident within 48 hours, the insurance company will accept the claim. However, delayed reporting may cause many unnecessary troubles. If the insurance company is not notified promptly after the accident, it will create difficulties in investigation and evidence collection, thereby affecting the speed of claims settlement. The investigation and inspection costs incurred due to this will also be borne by the vehicle owner. Below are the specific details for filing an insurance claim: Precautions: After an accident, you should immediately call your insurance company. If the accident involves injuries, you must also notify the traffic police to come to the scene to determine liability; otherwise, the insurance company will not compensate. When the insurance company personnel arrive at the scene, the vehicle owner should present the insurance policy, driver's license, vehicle registration, and ID card. Photo Evidence: Whether photos are required for car insurance mainly depends on the type of insurance purchased by the owner. For example, for vehicle damage, scratches, or glass insurance, photos must be taken to prove that the vehicle was not damaged before the insurance was purchased. Six photos are required: one from each of the four 45° angles (front left, rear left, front right, rear right), one of the vehicle identification number (VIN), and one with the owner and the vehicle. Each photo must include that day's newspaper, clearly showing the date.
Oh man, I had a similar situation before - I waited until the next day to report after a collision and almost got denied by insurance. I hit a parking lot pole, dented the front bumper but no injuries, so I thought it was no big deal and waited until work hours next day to report. The police did come and took a statement, asking why I didn't report immediately. They said timely reporting is better to prevent evidence loss. When I called insurance later, they questioned the delay but fortunately my dashcam footage saved me and the claim got approved. My advice: don't delay after an accident - report on the spot if possible, take phone photos of the scene to avoid headaches. If the scene gets cleaned up or altered, insurers might dispute your claim - that'd be a huge loss. Bottom line: delayed reporting carries risks, so act fast when you can.
