California drivers must report car accidents to their insurance companies within 24 hours, according to most insurers, though specific time limits vary by individual insurance policy terms. Drivers must also notify the at-fault driver’s insurance company as soon as possible to preserve their right to file a claim. After a collision, a driver may wonder, “How long do you have to report a car accident to your insurance in California?”

Failure to report accidents to your own insurer may result in dropped coverage, while missing notification deadlines for the other driver’s carrier could eliminate claim-filing opportunities.

How long do you have to report a car accident to your insurance in California?

Understanding Insurance Coverage Requirements in California

Every California driver must carry auto insurance that meets the state’s minimum coverage requirements. California uses a fault system to determine liability for car accident damages. Every auto insurance policy must offer bodily injury liability coverage for a single person, bodily injury liability coverage for a total accident, and property damage liability coverage.

The minimum coverage amounts are $30,000, $60,000, and $15,000, respectively. Drivers are also encouraged to purchase underinsured/uninsured driver coverage in addition to their basic coverage requirements. These rates apply to collisions that occur in Lido Isle, Coto de Caza, Balboa Island, and elsewhere in California.

When an accident occurs, the at-fault driver is liable for the resulting damages. The injured driver has the right to file an insurance claim against the at-fault driver’s policy, and there are many procedural requirements to resolve the issue. One of the most critical issues you must address when it comes to car accident claims is reporting the accident.

For drivers involved in accidents on Orange County’s freeways and surface streets, from the I-405 to Harbor Boulevard, understanding your reporting obligations quickly can protect your right to recover. California state law requires drivers to call 911 to report any accident that causes injury, death, or severe property damage. However, drivers are also required to report accidents to their insurance companies regardless of how the accident occurred.

Reporting Your Accident to Insurance

California uses a fault system to resolve car accident claims. This means that if another driver caused your accident, you must file a claim against their insurance policy. However, you must also report the accident to your own insurance company. Most insurers require drivers to report accidents within 24 hours, but you must read the terms of your policy to determine the time limit that applies to your situation. Every insurance company has different rules.

If you intend to file a claim against another driver’s policy, you must also notify their insurance company of your intent to file a claim as soon as possible. California is home to 36,190,654 drivers who are required to have their own insurance policies. You do not necessarily need to file your claim immediately; every insurance company offers different time frames for filing auto insurance claims.

However, you need to notify the insurer about your accident as soon as possible. Typically, the insurer will inform you how much time you have to file your claim once you report your accident.

What Happens if I Fail to Report an Accident?

More than two million Californians have been injured over the past 10 years, and knowing the steps to take after a crash is crucial. It’s essential to meet all your reporting obligations after an accident, both to the police and insurance companies. If you fail to report an accident to the police as required by state law, you risk facing severe criminal charges, including hit-and-run, depending on the nature of the accident.

If you fail to report your accident to your own insurance company, they may drop your coverage and force you to secure a new auto insurance policy. The penalties for failing to report an accident will likely be outlined within the terms of your policy. If you do not report the accident to the other driver’s insurance carrier as required, you could miss your opportunity to file an insurance claim.

Do I Need a Lawyer?

It’s generally a good idea to have legal counsel on your side after a car accident someone else caused. Your attorney can significantly streamline the claim process and improve the quality of your recovery. If you are having trouble meeting your insurance claim requirements or are simply struggling with recovery from your injuries and need help with your legal affairs, representation you can trust is an invaluable asset.

The clock on your insurance reporting obligations starts the moment the accident happens. If you’re dealing with injuries, property damage, or an uncooperative insurance adjuster while trying to meet those deadlines, having an attorney in your corner makes the entire process significantly more manageable.

The Orange County car accident lawyers at Easton & Easton handle insurance reporting issues, claims negotiations, and personal injury recovery for clients across Orange County and Southern California. Consultations are free. There were 315,167 people injured by distracted driving in 2024, and our legal team can take steps to identify the cause of the collision and the responsible parties before pursuing compensation.

Statute of Limitations for Injury Claims Filed in Court

While insurers set their own deadlines through internal policies, the courts follow a strict series of deadlines. Time limits promote efficiency within the court’s dockets by encouraging timely court filings that make use of evidence while it is still available and readily collectible. The statutes of limitations also protect defendants from open-ended litigation.

In California, most personal injury claims must be filed within two years from the date of the accident. If the claim only involves damage to the vehicle or another property, the statute of limitations is generally three years from the date of the crash. Different rules apply when a government entity is involved. For example, collisions involving a city bus, government vehicle, or an unsafe roadway could require a court claim to be filed within six months of the accident.

Special rules may apply to injured minors. When someone suffers injuries in a car accident, the statute of limitations is generally tolled until the child’s 18th birthday. This means the clock does not start ticking until they are a legal adult. Since injury claims are complex and involve differing deadlines, legal support should be secured by anyone seeking a civil claim in court.

Taking decisive action can benefit your injury claims in multiple ways. When you hire an attorney and allow them to represent you throughout your claim, your lawyer can speak to witnesses while their memories are still fresh and reliable. Surveillance footage can be gathered before it would otherwise be scrubbed, and other forms of evidence may also be more reliable and easier to gather.

Why You Should Hire a Car Lawyer

Following a car collision in California, you may be facing multiple challenges. While an insurance company can provide critical compensation for your medical bills and other expenses, meeting deadlines and gathering evidence can prove challenging and burdensome if you are dealing with a personal injury. When you hire a car accident lawyer, you position yourself for a favorable outcome to your injury claim.

A California car accident lawyer can:

  • Explain the state’s car accident laws
  • Document the harm you suffered
  • Initiate talks with insurers
  • Focus settlement talks on the harm you suffered
  • File a court claim when needed
  • Explain the benefits and drawbacks of accepting an offer

Your attorney can pursue compensation through the appropriate process, whether that be an insurance claim or a civil court filing. As you focus on your recovery, your attorney can manage your car accident case. If challenges arise, such as false accusations or efforts to downplay the severity of your injury, your lawyer can take decisive steps to protect your right to pursue compensation.

Past Client Reviews, Settlements, and Court Verdicts

Easton & Easton has earned a reputation for providing responsive communication and personalized representation throughout the claims process. Here are a few reviews from former clients.

Client testimonials reflect individual experiences and do not guarantee a similar outcome.

“The entire team is very helpful and caring… They were always there to answer all my questions… They were able to win my difficult personal injury case.” — Sofia S.

“What an amazing law firm… I have referred a co-worker and a family member to them as well and everyone had such a great experience as I had.” — Logan R.

“I have nothing but good things to say about Easton & Easton. Brian handled my case professionally. He made sure that the process was effortless and as hands-free as possible.” — Claudia C.

Our law firm also brings a track record of success when pursuing significant settlements and verdicts. The following are representative case results achieved by Easton & Easton.

Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is different and must be evaluated on its own merits.

FAQs

How Long Do You Have to File a Claim for a Car Accident in California?

The time you have to file a claim against another driver’s auto insurance policy comes down to the individual insurer. Some insurance companies require claimants to file their claims quickly after an accident, while others do not impose strict time limits on filing insurance claims. Notify the other driver’s insurance company of the accident and inform them that you intend to file an insurance claim. The insurer will tell you how long you have to do it.

How Long After an Accident Can You Claim Car Insurance?

This is another issue that comes down to the individual insurer. Every insurance company has different rules, and you may have a certain amount of time to file your claim. However, it is always smart to file a car insurance claim as soon as possible after an accident. The sooner you file your claim, the better your chances of securing total compensation for your losses.

How Soon Can You File a Claim After Obtaining an Insurance Policy?

If you just recently secured an insurance policy, you may wonder how soon you can file a claim for coverage. Generally, insurance companies will view any claims filed immediately after a policy is created with suspicion.

For example, they may wonder if your accident occurred before you secured the policy or if you obtained insurance simply to file a claim immediately. Typically, insurance coverage takes effect as soon as you sign your policy contract and make your first premium payment.

Should You Call Your Insurance or the Other Driver First After an Accident?

If another driver caused your recent accident, you could file a claim against their policy to secure compensation for your damages. You must still report the accident to your insurance carrier, ideally within 24 hours of the accident. Notify your own insurance company about the accident, then contact the at-fault driver’s insurance company to notify them that you intend to file a claim.

Contact Easton & Easton Today

Dealing with insurance companies is rarely easy, especially when you are reeling in the aftermath of a damaging accident. However, an experienced attorney can help you meet your insurance-related obligations and secure the settlement you deserve after another driver has injured you.

Our law firm protects high-earning professionals and their families when serious injuries jeopardize their careers and financial stability. We can take the time to build a strong claim that leads to a large settlement. To date, we have helped our clients secure more than $2 billion in compensation through focused negotiations and strategic litigation.

If you need help resolving a recent car accident claim in Orange County, the Orange County car accident lawyers at Easton & Easton can guide you through your reporting obligations and pursue a fair financial recovery. Contact us today.