It is a requirement of most insurance policies that you let your insurer know about an accident as soon as possible after it occurs.  This is part of your duty of disclosure under the policy which requires you to tell your insurer about certain events or changes in your circumstances.

If you breach your duty of disclosure you could void your insurance policy, meaning it may not pay out when you need it.

What if I don’t want to make a claim? 

Even if the damage to your vehicle is minor and you don’t want to make a claim, it's a good idea to report the accident anyway. The other driver could make a claim against you for damages, meaning that you may decide to make a claim, after all, at a later stage.

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Benefits of notifying your insurer sooner rather than later

It can be beneficial to notify your insurer of an accident, theft or damage as soon as possible.

Even if you don’t have all the facts at hand, your insurer can go over the claims process for you, advise you of any information you will need or steps you should take in the meantime. They can also let you know what you will and will not be covered for.

Your insurer can also be of assistance immediately after an accident as they can talk you through a difficult situation. When traumatic incidents occur, it's helpful to have a calm, stable third party to reassure you and help you decide on your next steps. Your insurer can provide a lot of helpful advice in the moments and hours following a car accident.