After a car accident, it can be hard to know which calls to make first. Between dealing with vehicle damage, medical needs, and missed work, you may be asking, How long do you have to report a car accident to your insurance company?
The timing matters. Waiting too long can create problems for a potential legal claim, even if the accident wasn’t your fault. California sets its own reporting rules, and insurance policies impose their own deadlines that you must follow.
Here’s what you need to know about when to contact your insurer and why prompt reporting helps protect your ability to recover compensation.
How Long to Report a Car Accident to Insurance: Why Action Within 72 Hours Is Critical
There is no hard deadline to report a car accident to your insurance company. What controls the timeline is your policy. Nearly every insurer includes a clause requiring “prompt” notice after a crash.
Failing to notify your insurer can be considered a breach of contract. That can bring serious consequences, such as:
- Denial of your claim, or
- Cancellation of your policy.
In either situation, you may end up paying for all damages and injuries out of pocket, even if the accident wasn’t your fault.
So, how long do you have to report a car accident to your insurance company? The safest answer is as quickly as possible, ideally within 24 to 72 hours. Waiting longer gives the company room to argue they didn’t have a fair chance to investigate. In some cases, it can even put your policy at risk.
Prompt reporting also helps if you later pursue a legal claim. It ties the damages directly to the crash, rather than leaving room for the insurer to argue about other causes.
Medical issues are another reason to notify early. Injuries like whiplash or concussions may not show up right away. By reporting the accident promptly, you reduce the likelihood that the insurer will question whether those injuries were related to the crash.
If you’re unsure how long to report a car accident to insurance under your policy, check your paperwork or call your agent to confirm the deadline.
Reporting the Accident Beyond Your Insurance Company
Your insurance company isn’t the only one with rules. California law requires drivers to report certain accidents to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This duty is separate from your insurance claim and comes with its own deadline.
You must file a Traffic Accident Report (Form SR-1) within 10 days if:
- Anyone was injured or killed, or
- The crash caused more than $1,000 in property damage.
This report is required even if a police officer has already documented the accident. Failing to do so can result in a license suspension.
It’s also worth noting that these reporting rules are separate from lawsuit deadlines. In California, you generally have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit and three years for property damage. If a government vehicle or agency is involved, those timeframes can be shorter.
What to Say When Reporting an Accident to Your Insurance Company
When it’s time to call your insurer, stick to the facts. Adjusters are trained to gather details that may be used to limit what gets paid out. That’s why many drivers wonder: Should I report a car accident to my insurance company right away? And while the answer is yes, it matters how you handle the conversation.
Here’s what to do:
- Provide the basics. Give your name, policy number, date, time, and location of the crash. Share the other driver’s information and witness contacts, if available.
- Describe damage simply. For example: “The rear bumper has a dent” is better than “The other driver smashed into me.”
- Mention medical treatment. If you’re hurt, say you are receiving or seeking care. Avoid minimizing symptoms or saying you feel fine.
- Keep a record. Note the date, time, and name of every representative you speak with. Written logs are helpful if questions arise later.
Importantly, what not to say is just as important as what to say when reporting an accident. For example:
- Don’t admit fault. Insurers can treat even a casual apology as an admission of liability.
- Don’t speculate. If you don’t know, say so. Guessing only creates openings for disputes.
- Don’t give detailed injury descriptions. Leave that to doctors. A simple “I’m being treated” is enough.
- Don’t sign without advice. Settlement papers or broad medical releases can expose you to risk.
- Stay off social media. Insurers check posts and photos to challenge injury claims.
If your injuries are serious or the insurer becomes difficult, an attorney can step in and handle these conversations on your behalf. This protects you from saying something that could be misused and keeps the focus on getting the compensation you need.
Contact an Experienced Car Accident Attorney in California
Insurance companies work to protect their bottom line. Our job is to protect you.
For over 40 years, Wells Call Injury Lawyers has helped injured Californians recover over half a billion dollars. We make communication a priority and fight for settlements that reflect the full impact of your injuries.
If you have questions about your accident or want experienced guidance with your claim, Contact Wells Call Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation.