# Car insurance question – need answer fast

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-insurance-question-need-answer-fast/770006>\
**Category:** In My Humble Opinion\
**Created:** [October 29, 2016, 1:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-insurance-question-need-answer-fast/770006 "2016-10-29T13:24:29Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 2

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**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\
**Post date:** [November 1, 2016, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/car-insurance-question-need-answer-fast/770006/21 "2016-11-01T14:33:29Z")

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> [@Doctor\_Jackson](#):
>
> Yep, exactly. Which is why I pointed out that **jtur** ’s answer was too simplistic. What should be reported and to whom varies greatly based on jurisdiction and circumstance. The only “standard” process is to call your insurance company. Most auto policies (we all read every page, right?) mandate that every accident, regardless of damage or circumstance, be reported to them. Impossible to enforce, but there nonetheless.

Taking a look at my policy it says

> [@](#):
>
> In the event of an accident, occurrence or loss, written  
> notice must be given to us or our agent as soon as  
> reasonably possible and within one year from the date  
> of the accident, occurrence or loss.

However, I can’t see why anyone would want to notify their insurance company of a fender bender if they’re not going to make a claim and, as you said, it’s pretty unenforceable.  
Also, regarding seatbelts, my policy says

```auto

Liability:
Medical Payments - Auto if not wearing a seatbelt $5,000 Each Person $19.00
Medical Payments - Auto if wearing a seatbelt $10,000 Each Person Included

Medical Payments - Motorcycle if not wearing a helmet $5,000 Each Person $39.00
Medical Payments - Motorcycle if wearing a helmet $10,000 Each Person Included

```

I’m curious, now that I look at it, as to why I have $10,000 worth of ‘included’ coverage for people wearing a seatbelt, but I pay an additional premium to get half the coverage on people not wearing one. Some poking around suggests that the I’m ‘paying’ for the no seatbelt option, that is, it’s just a standard line item on a, more or less, generic policy, and that I have something called ‘enhanced medical’ which includes bumping up medical coverage by 5k for anyone wearing a seatbelt, but I’m not totally sure on that.

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