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Minor car accidents typically leave all parties uninjured and their vehicles in good shape. However, major collisions can cause severe damage and physical or mental injuries, requiring significant repairs and medical attention. The drivers will need to decide if alerting their insurance companies is necessary. The latter situation almost always involves notifying insurance providers. If you aren’t sure whether it’s ever a good idea to settle an auto accident without using your insurance, the professionals at Altra Insurance Services, the premier providers of auto insurance San Diego drivers trust for reliable, high-quality service, offer the following advice.
Dishonest Drivers
Even if you have the name and essential contact information of the other driver along with pictures and a paper trail, it won’t be easy to prove what actually happened without making a report. Calling the police to detail the incident and reporting it to the insurance company almost always guarantees it will be handled accordingly. However, you’re less likely to file a report when you decide to settle the auto accident without using your insurance. If the other driver is dishonest, it will be challenging to prove what happened. As a result, you could be responsible for damage done to your car.
Long-Term Damage
Unless you’re a technician or an experienced automobile worker, it may be challenging to guess what type of damage has occurred after an accident. What may seem like a fender bender could turn into a severe repair issue that’s very expensive. In some instances, the minor accident could cause long-term problems that worsen over the years. If you’ve decided to settle the situation without using your auto insurance, you could be responsible for these future problems. Keep this in mind before deciding, because the out-of-pocket costs could drain your savings at a later time.
Physical Problems
Even if you feel okay at the time and don’t visit a doctor after an accident, you could experience significant health challenges later that day or soon after. When it comes to your health, it’s best to remain cautious at all times, especially when it involves an auto accident. In some situations, future medical issues could prevent you from working specific jobs, causing financial and mental stress when you cannot work and pay monthly bills. If you do finally decide to visit the doctor after settling the auto accident without insurance, your insurance provider may not be required to cover the costs of medical expenses at a later time. The time frame should be listed in your policy agreement.
Effect on Premiums
In some cases, settling an auto accident without your insurance company’s knowledge is beneficial. It could prevent future costs, such as increased premiums and having the accident listed on your driving record. Even fender benders can lead to increased insurance premiums in most states. Having the accident on your driving history could lead to other challenges, such as preventing you from getting transportation jobs. When it comes to these factors, it may be a good idea to settle a minor accident.
Whether you’ve been in an accident or not, it’s important to make sure you find the most affordable car insurance in chula vista to protect yourself in the future. If you need affordable, reliable car insurance, look no further than the trustworthy pros at Altra Insurance Services. We can take care of a variety of your insurance needs, including motorcycle, homeowners, and business insurance. Give us a call today at (800) 719-9972 to find out more about our high-quality insurance products and impeccable service.