It’s not uncommon for motorists to be involved in accidents involving only their own vehicle. In Pennsylvania alone, there were approximately 759 single vehicle fatalities in 2012 according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. However, most single-car accidents in Bethlehem, PA and the surrounding area are relatively minor, with no injuries and equally minor cosmetic or nonexistent damage to the car itself.

No matter how minor the accident, you should report it to your insurance agent as soon as possible. It’s also important to take written notes as well as pictures (if possible) of the accident scene, as memories can fade and having concrete evidence could be a big help during the claims process.

One reason to report car accident to insurance straight away is to take advantage of your collision insurance coverage and its ability to cover the costs of repairing or replacing your vehicle. However, if the estimated cost of damage is lower than the deductible, then you may be better off paying for the repairs out of your own pocket.

Another reason is that most auto insurance policies feature a clause requiring the insured to report any and all accidents, but such clauses are often hard to enforce. Local, county and state law enforcement officials may also require you to submit a collision report for accidents with either bodily injury or a set amount of property damage to any one person’s vehicle or other property. This information may be passed on to your insurer depending on the circumstances.

The longer you wait to report a car accident to your insurer, the less likely you’ll be compensated for any damages. As your independent agent, we can help you report collisions and other events involving your vehicle quickly and accurately. We can also help you realize big savings on the latest auto insurance plans available.