Sometimes it is important to recognize when not to file an auto insurance claim for your own financial protection. Auto owners insurance claims sometimes cause more problems than  they solve in specific situations. For example, were you the only person involved in the accident? Did you sustain no injuries during the accident? 

Liability insurance does not cover damage to your own vehicle. If you damage your car in an accident, filing car insurance claim information raises your premiums and affects your driving record. In addition to this it might not cover the costs of your repairs.

Collision coverage is optional auto insurance coverage, which helps pay for damages to your vehicle when you hit another car or object. If you do not have collision coverage your insurance company is not going to pay for damages to your car when you are at fault. When you file a claim car accident damage needs significant enough damage to warrant the effort. 

For example, when you have a deductible amount higher than the amount of your repair costs you have to pay for the expenses out-of-pocket either way. 

Do I need to file a claim for bumper damage? If you have a high deductible the answer is almost always to not file a claim in this situation. The result is usually increased premiums and a potentially adverse impact on your driving record, all of which still leaves you paying out-of-pocket expenses.

Another time to not file an auto insurance claim is if you waited too long to get your claim accepted and approved. If you wait too long to file your claim your auto insurance company has reason to deny paying out for the claim. 

Conversely, your auto insurance company has the ability to  raise your premiums and/or report the accident to your state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) all without covering a single dime of costs related to the accident.