Many people carry auto insurance coverage seeing that it is required by many states. However, even though many individuals carry the policy, doesn't necessarily mean that they understand how to access the policy and know what they are doing in the case of an accident. Here are some things you need to know about a car accident and your auto insurance policy.

What Kind Of Information Should I Get If I Get In An Accident?

The first thing you need to know is what kind of information to get if you are in a car accident. Regardless of whose fault it is, you should always get the insurance information from everyone involved in the accident. This means you should get the name of their provider, their insurance number, the full name of the individual, the make and model of their car, and the license plate or VIN numbers of the vehicles involved. This will be very helpful when you are filing claims.

Do I Have To Let My Insurance Know I Got In An Accident?

You don't have to let your insurance know that you got in an accident. For instance, assume that you were just in a small fender bender and there was just a little scratch on the car and no one was injured in any way. You still should get the information from everyone in the accident, just in case, but if you don't need to file a claim, then you don't need to contact the insurance provider.

It is important to recognize though that there may be instances where you think nothing is wrong and then months down the road, you have severe back problems from whiplash sustained during that accident. However, since you never reported it, you may not be able to access your policy for help with medical expenses to treat the problem. So although you don't need to contact your insurance, you gamble not getting covered if something shows up later.

If I Get In An Accident Will It Make My Insurance Premiums Go Up?

The question of if your insurance will go up depends on the nature of the accident. If you were the one who caused the accident it will cause your insurance to go up. Any time you file a claim on your insurance you are going to pay more money in premiums. However, if it wasn't your fault that you were in a accident, your premiums shouldn't be affected.

By understanding these things you can know what to do if you are in a car accident.