Auto Insurance Claims: Insurance Claim Limitations, to claim or not to claim, that is the question

Question
Hi Justin, a few months ago I was on my way home from work after a rain/ice storm covered the roads with ice.  I eventually lost control of my vehicle and hit a guardrail on the side of the road. With no street lights in the immediate area (as it was approximately 2am), all I could do to check for damage was use my flashlight after I had popped the hood. From what I could tell, aside from a busted headlight, the damage was limited to the driver's side of the front grill and the hood. I was able to drive my vehicle back home where I contemplated if I should call my insurance company or not. After speaking with a good friend, who assumed that my deductible was $500, I was convinced that I'd have to pay for the majority of the damage myself. About a month or so later, another friend told me that I should call my insurer and still file the claim, even though it had already been more than a month since the accident.  I finally checked my policy to see just what my deductible was and saw that it was only $250. I've never had to file a claim in my near 16 years of licensed driving.  Is this something I can still file a claim for or have I passed some statute of limitations for filing a claim?  If it helps any, I live in GA. Thanks so much for your help!

Answer
Marc,

   It's not too late.  Explain it to them truthfully.  You didn't want to file a claim for just minor damages, and now you have changed your mind.  It should be no problem.  You might have to answer a few extra questions because a late report is a flag for fraud, but once they are satisfied you are not lying to them for some reason, you'll get paid.  


   Your insurance policy is a contract.  In Georgia, the statute of limitation for contracts is 6 years (I think).  Either way, a couple months delay while you "think about it" is okay so long as you don't make a habit of it, and so long as it is just a one person claim.  I assume there was no damage to the guardrail.  

    I hope this helps.  If you need more information, just remember information is free at Petty Details, LLC!

Sincerely,
Justin Petty