When You Should (and Shouldn’t) File an Auto Insurance Claim

Remember that after filing a claim, your insurance company will likely increase your rate.

You are the only person involved. Don't file. hedgehog94/Shutterstock

Car insurance is a funny thing. You pay a small fortune to get it and keep it. Then, if you have the blatant audacity to actually file a claim, the company either increases your premiums or cancels you altogether. OK, that may be a bit extreme, but you get my point.

While the world of insurance can at times be so confusing as to be maddening, going without basic automobile coverage is simply not an option. The financial risk is just too great. But there are some things you can do to make sure you don’t stand out to the company as an intolerable risk.

You Should File an Auto Insurance Claim If

There are injuries, even minor ones. It’s crucial to report the incident to your insurer to ensure your coverage applies, preventing unexpected bills and safeguarding you from potential lawsuits by injured drivers.