A common problem in the transportation industry is fleet managers or drivers failing to report accidents. Ignoring this issue won’t make it disappear—it will likely come back to haunt you, especially if a third party is involved, which can escalate a minor claim into a major one.
Filing a claim late or failing to report it can result in:
- The claim being denied,
- Settlement costs increasing significantly,
- Your premium rising substantially, or
- Your insurer refusing to renew your coverage.
If you delay or neglect to file a claim after an accident, it puts your insurer at a disadvantage, as evidence deteriorates over time, especially for bodily injury claims. Late reporting can make resolution more difficult and could even lead to the claim being denied.
Moreover, if a claim isn’t reported, the insurer will eventually learn about it, often through a plaintiff’s attorney or upon receiving a lawsuit notice.
What to Do After an Accident
It’s essential to report all incidents or accidents, regardless of fault, damage severity, or even if no damage occurred. Report all claims immediately to us, your broker. If it’s an emergency and we’re unavailable, contact your insurance carrier directly.
Keep claim information forms in all trucks, preferably in a convenient location like the glove box. Drivers should follow the form’s instructions and fill it out thoroughly, including gathering insurance information from any third party involved.
The driver should also gather as much information as possible at the scene, using their smartphone camera to take pictures of the scene and any vehicles or property involved. If your vehicles are equipped with dash cameras, ensure the footage is preserved as well.