Whether you should file a claim with your insurance company depends on a few different factors. Keep in mind that filing a claim will likely increase your car insurance rates. If you were in a minor accident, it may be worth getting quotes to determine the cost of repairs before deciding to seek coverage. You can then weigh the repair costs against the cost of any deductible you might have related to the claim. However, if you caused a serious accident that resulted in bodily injury or property damage, filing an insurance claim is a critical step. Reviewing your potential claim situation with your agent may be helpful to determine which route you should take.