⚖️ Is a fender bender considered an accident?

Yes. Any collision between cars is legally considered an accident , regardless of damage severity.

🚔 Should I call the police for a fender bender?

It depends. Police may not respond to minor accidents in some areas. However, you should call if anyone is injured, damage exceeds state reporting thresholds (often $500-$1,000 ), the other driver is uncooperative or fault is disputed. A police report provides valuable documentation for insurance claims.

📈 Will my insurance go up if I file a claim?

If you're at fault, expect a rate increase that will likely last for 3-5 years . If you're not at fault, your rates may not increase in some states. Some insurers offer accident forgiveness that prevents increases after your first at-fault accident.

🤝 What if the other driver wants to settle without insurance?

Be cautious. Hidden damage or delayed injuries can cost more than expected. If you agree to settle privately, get everything in writing , exchange full contact and insurance information anyway, and document all damage thoroughly. The other driver could change their mind later and file a claim, so protect yourself.

⏰ How long do I have to report a fender bender to insurance?

Most policies require "prompt" notification, typically within 24-72 hours . Some states have specific deadlines. Even if you're unsure whether you'll file a claim, it's usually best to notify your insurer. You can always decide not to proceed, but late reporting can jeopardize your claim .

What Is a Fender Bender?

You might be backing out of a parking spot when you accidentally tap the car behind you. Or maybe someone rear-ends you at a stop sign. Unfortunately, you’ve just experienced a fender bender. While the term sounds minor, fender benders are car accidents, and can be more consequential than you might think.

Jerry has helped 126,490 drivers get car insurance, including customers who have been in recent fender benders. Here’s everything you need to know about what it is, how much they can cost and whether to file an insurance claim.

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What is a fender bender?

A fender bender is a minor car accident that typically occurs at low speeds resulting in limited car damage. The term comes from the fact that these collisions often damage only the fenders, which are the protective outer panels that cover a car’s wheels.

The key characteristics of a fender bender are:

🚗 Low-speed collision. They usually occur at speeds under 15 mph.

🔧 Minor car damage. Typically limited to bumpers, fenders and cosmetic parts.

✅ The car is driveable. You can usually safely drive away from the scene.

🩹 No serious injuries. Minor injuries like whiplash are still possible.

Key takeaway: Even though it’s called “minor,” a fender bender is still legally classified as a car accident. There’s no minimum damage threshold that must be met. Any collision between cars counts as an accident.

Should you file an insurance claim for a fender bender?

It can be worth filing a claim after a fender bender, though your car insurance rates may likely increase if you do.

Here’s how to know when to file a claim and when not to.

File a claim if:

Anyone is injured.
Your car’s damage costs are above your deductible.
The other driver was at fault.
Multiple cars or drivers are involved.
You suspect there’s more than just cosmetic damage to your car.

You may not need to if:

Your car’s damage is less than or equal to your deductible.
You caused the accident but the other driver’s car received minor damage that you can pay for out of pocket.

Key takeaway: File a claim if damage costs exceed your deductible, or someone else is at fault. But if repairs are minor and you caused the accident, paying out of pocket may help you avoid a rate increase.

Learn more: How to file a car insurance claim

Jerry can get you coverage for a fender bender

Nobody plans for a fender bender, but having the right coverage makes all the difference if one happens. Jerry compares quotes from top insurance companies in minutes, so you can find a full coverage policy that covers even minor accidents. Just answer a few quick questions, and Jerry does the shopping for you.

Whether you’re looking for comprehensive coverage or just want to make sure your collision deductible fits your budget, Jerry helps you find a policy that works for your situation.

Skip the hassle. Jerry finds competitive quotes in minutes.

What to do after a fender bender

Even though you may consider it minor, treat a fender bender like any other accident.

Be sure to:

🚨 Turn on hazard lights and move to a safe location, if possible.

📋 Exchange contact and insurance information.

📸 Document the scene with photos of any damage.

🚔 File a police report if there are injuries, significant damage or a dispute over whose fault it was.

Jerry recommends: Never admit fault at the scene, even if you think you caused the accident. Simply exchange information and let the insurance companies determine fault based on the evidence.

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faq

⚖️ Is a fender bender considered an accident?

Yes. Any collision between cars is legally considered an accident, regardless of damage severity.
🚔 Should I call the police for a fender bender?

It depends. Police may not respond to minor accidents in some areas. However, you should call if anyone is injured, damage exceeds state reporting thresholds (often $500-$1,000), the other driver is uncooperative or fault is disputed. A police report provides valuable documentation for insurance claims.
📈 Will my insurance go up if I file a claim?

If you’re at fault, expect a rate increase that will likely last for 3-5 years. If you’re not at fault, your rates may not increase in some states. Some insurers offer accident forgiveness that prevents increases after your first at-fault accident.
🤝 What if the other driver wants to settle without insurance?

Be cautious. Hidden damage or delayed injuries can cost more than expected. If you agree to settle privately, get everything in writing, exchange full contact and insurance information anyway, and document all damage thoroughly. The other driver could change their mind later and file a claim, so protect yourself.
⏰ How long do I have to report a fender bender to insurance?

Most policies require “prompt” notification, typically within 24-72 hours. Some states have specific deadlines. Even if you’re unsure whether you’ll file a claim, it’s usually best to notify your insurer. You can always decide not to proceed, but late reporting can jeopardize your claim.

Methodology

Data included in this analysis comes from policies that Jerry has quoted within the last 6 months for drivers with a clean record and that have full coverage, unless stated otherwise. Data related to violations, accidents or credit scores pull from quote data from the last 18 months. Jerry services 48 states and offers a range of insurance companies to choose from.

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Ben Moore

Ben Moore is a writer and editor at Jerry and an auto insurance expert. He previously worked as a writer, editor and content strategist on NerdWallet’s auto insurance team for five years. His work has been published in The Associated Press, Washington Post, Chicago Sun-Times, MarketWatch, Nasdaq and Yahoo News. He also served as a NerdWallet spokesperson, with appearances on local broadcast television and quotes in Martha Stewart and Real Simple magazine.

Ben has an extensive background in digital marketing, working on affiliate and programmatic advertising campaigns for brands like Cabela’s, H&R Block and Sears. He holds a bachelors degree in marketing from Olivet Nazarene University.

^†Over the past 12 months, 25% of drivers who switched with Jerry paid $89 or less per month. Not all customers find savings. Savings depend on state, policy features, coverage, driving history and other factors.

Editorial Note: This article was written by a paid member of Jerry’s editorial team. Statements in this article do not constitute advice or recommendations. You should consult with an insurance professional about your specific circumstances and needs before making any insurance decisions.