Had Minor Car Accident Should I Tell My Auto Insurance Company

Reader’s Question:

I was driving around last week when I got into a minor car accident. I hit another car and there was damage on the left side mirror. Since I didn’t have auto insurance, we decided to just settle the matter between us and did not call the police. I asked around and found that the damage is estimated to be somewhere between $50 – $80. However, a week after, the victim asked for $3000 to pay for damages.

Since I don’t have auto insurance, my dad has no choice but to pay for the damage since the victim was threatening to sue us. Isn’t there a law that says you need to report an accident within 30 minutes from the time it happened or no legal actions can be taken against you? I am from Baldwin Park, California.

Mandy

Baldwin Park, CA

I am sorry for what happened to you.

From what I know, there is no law that says you need to report a vehicular accident within 30 minutes or the victim will lose his or her right to take legal actions against the other party.

But what I know is that driving without proof of financial responsibility, wherein in your case driving without auto insurance is punishable by law in California. This is a violation of California Vehicle Code Section 16029. If you are cited for this, you will be asked to pay as much as $500 (excluding penalties), you car will be impounded and also your license will be suspended. It’s even worse if you are involved in a vehicular accident. Because with this, you are required to comply and meet the requirements for financial responsibility laws plus pay the damages incurred from the accident from your own expense.

It’s never a good idea to drive around without car insurance. Look for car insurance company now, before it’s too late. You can use this website to find what’s the best car insurance deal in California is. And always please do drive safely.