In our first post in the Auto Claim Survival Series, we talked about what to do during an accident — staying calm, making sure everyone is safe, gathering information, and documenting the scene.

But once the dust settles, most drivers find themselves staring at the next question:

“Okay… now do I actually file a claim?”
This is where things can get confusing. Insurance is absolutely meant to protect you when something goes wrong — but that doesn’t necessarily mean every single scratch or dent needs to turn into a claim.
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Let’s walk through how to think about it.

​First: What Is an Auto Insurance Claim?

An auto insurance claim is simply the process of notifying your insurance company that something happened and that you may need your policy to help cover the costs.

That’s it.

You’re basically saying:

“Hey… something happened to my car and I might need help with this.”

Once a claim is opened, the insurance company investigates what happened, determines coverage, and helps pay for damages if the situation is covered under your policy.

Situations Where You Should File a Claim
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There are a few situations where filing a claim is almost always the right move.

1. Someone was injured
If anyone is hurt — even if it seems minor — file a claim. Always.

Medical issues can show up hours or even days later. Having the claim documented protects everyone involved.

2. Someone else’s property was damaged
If another vehicle, fence, mailbox, building, or other property was damaged, a claim should usually be filed.

Your liability coverage exists specifically to protect you financially in these situations.
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3. The damage is significantly higher than your deductible
If repairs are clearly much higher than your deductible, insurance is doing exactly what it’s designed to do — help absorb major financial hits.

Situations Where You Might Not Want to File
​

This is the part many people don’t realize.

There are times where filing a claim may actually cost more in the long run than simply paying for repairs yourself.
 
Here are some examples:

Minor damage
If you're involved in a very small fender bender, filing a claim might not make sense.

For example:

• A tiny dent in a bumper
• A small scratch in a parking lot
• Cosmetic damage that costs only a few hundred dollars to repair

Claims — even small ones — can impact your insurance history.

However, be careful here. If the accident involves a stranger, it can be difficult to reach a clear agreement on the spot. In those cases, it may still be easier to involve insurance.
 
You damaged your own car and repairs are under your deductible
If you backed into a pole or scraped a barrier and the repair cost is less than your deductible, filing a claim usually doesn’t help much.

Example:

• Deductible: $1,000
• Repair cost: $700

Insurance wouldn’t pay anything anyway, so it may make more sense to handle the repair yourself.
 
You don’t have the coverage needed for the situation

You can only file a claim if the proper coverage exists.

For example:

• Collision coverage pays to repair your vehicle after an accident.
• If you don’t carry collision coverage, your insurer won’t pay for damage to your car in a crash.

One important thing to know:

Even if a claim results in $0 paid, the claim itself may still appear in your insurance history for 3–6 years.

Your current company might not surcharge you for it, but future companies sometimes look at total claim activity when determining rates.
 
When the long-term premium increase may cost more than the repair

This is the tricky one.

Nobody can predict exactly how much a claim will increase your premium. There are simply too many variables.

However, recent studies give us a general idea.

A 2026 LendingTree analysis found:

• Drivers see an average 45% premium increase after an at-fault accident involving about $2,000 in damage
• That equals about $1,030 more per year
• Over three years, that adds up to roughly $3,093 in additional premiums

Many companies apply accident surcharges for 3–5 years.
So if the damage is minor, paying out of pocket can sometimes be the less expensive choice.
 
Your car is older and cosmetic damage doesn’t bother you

If your car already has some miles on it and a small dent doesn’t bother you, it may not be worth filing a claim.
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Many drivers choose to live with minor cosmetic damage rather than risk higher premiums.
 

Quick Reminder: Your Coverage Matters
​

Whether insurance can help depends on the type of coverage on your policy.

Here are the most common ones:

Liability Coverage
Pays for injuries or property damage you cause to others. This is required in most states (and is definitely required in Wisconsin).

Collision Coverage
Pays to repair or replace your car after a crash, regardless of fault.
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Comprehensive Coverage
Covers damage not caused by a collision, such as:

• Theft
• Vandalism
• Fallen tree branches
• Weather damage
• Hitting a deer 

What If the Other Driver Was At Fault?
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If someone else caused the accident, you usually have two options.

Option 1: File with the other driver’s insurance
Pros:

• No deductible
• Their company may provide a rental car (but it will be after you pay for it and can provide receipts)
• Repairs should be covered if they accept responsibility

Cons:

• Their company may dispute fault
• The process can sometimes move slower
• Your agent cannot directly manage that claim

​Option 2: File with your own insurance
Pros:

• Your insurance company handles the claim
• The process is often faster
• Your agent can assist you
• If you bought rental car reimbursement coverage, you can get a rental car without shelling out money right away.

Cons:

• You may need to pay your deductible initially
• Your company will attempt to recover that deductible from the other insurer

 

Do You Need an Estimate Before Filing?
​

No.

You do not need a repair estimate before filing a claim.
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However, some drivers choose to get one first to help decide whether filing makes sense.

Information You’ll Need to File a Claim
​

If you decide to file, having the following information will make the process much easier:
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• Photos of vehicle damage
• Accident date, time, and location
• Your contact information
• Names and contact information of other drivers
• Their insurance company and policy number
• Photos of the vehicles and accident scene
• Witness names and contact information (if available)
• A description of what happened
• Details of any injuries 

The Bottom Line
​

Insurance is there to protect you from major financial setbacks.

But it isn’t always necessary — or beneficial — to file a claim for every minor incident.

A good rule of thumb is:

File a claim when there are injuries, major damage, or other people involved.

For smaller cosmetic issues, it may be worth pausing and considering the long-term cost.

And if you're ever unsure, you can always call us at Sage Insurance Group. We’re happy to help you think through the situation before a claim is filed.
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Because sometimes the best advice isn’t just how to file a claim…
…it’s knowing when not to.

If you suspect damage:

• Start with a visual check from the ground
• Call a trusted, LOCAL contractor (not your insurance company first)
• Talk to your agent (hi 👋) before filing anything

We can help you decide if a claim actually makes sense.

​And About Those Door Knockers…They’re coming. They always do after storms like this.
A few quick rules to protect yourself:

• Do NOT let anyone on your roof without proof of insurance  (they should have liability insurance)
  
• Don't feel pressured to sign anything at the first visit
• Be cautious of anyone promising to “waive your deductible” (that’s illegal in Wisconsin)
  
• If it sounds too good to be true (“free roof!”)… it is
  

Instead:

• Take your time
  
• Google them
  
• Check reviews and social media
  
• Look them up on the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services
  
• Ask how long they’ve actually been in the area
  
• Ask if they use subcontractors (and vet them too)
  
• Get a written, itemized estimate

Bottom LineLast night’s storm was intense—but reacting too quickly can create problems you didn’t have to begin with.
If you’re unsure what to do next, reach out. That’s what we’re here for.

Better to ask first… than file first.

Before you think about damage:

• Is anyone hurt?
• Does anyone need medical attention?
• Are vehicles in a dangerous location?

If there are injuries, call 911 immediately.
Safety first. Always.

Under Wisconsin Statute 346.70, a crash must be reported if it involves:

• Injury to any person
• $1,000 or more damage to any one person’s vehicle or property
• $200 or more damage to government property (other than a vehicle)

This is part of Wisconsin accident reporting requirements.

If law enforcement comes to the scene, they may complete the report.
If they do not come, and the accident meets the legal thresholds, you are required to complete the Wisconsin Driver Report of Crash (DT4002) within 10 days.

You can file it online through the Wisconsin DOT crash reporting system.

Important:
If your vehicle was parked and unoccupied and you do NOT have identifying information for the other driver or vehicle, you may not be able to submit the report online. The crash is not considered reportable unless sufficient identifying information is provided.

Also:
You do not need to file a crash report for an accident involving a deer or other wild animal.

Here’s what surprises people.

If you call police for a minor Wisconsin parking lot accident on private property, there is a very real chance they will not respond.

They are not going to:

• Pull five angles of security footage
• Interview every vehicle owner in the lot
• Conduct a full-scale investigation

It’s not because they don’t care. It’s because minor property damage on private property is often treated as a civil matter.

​That means documentation becomes your responsibility.

This is where problems are either prevented… or created.
Please get clear cell phone photos of:

• The other driver’s license
• Their insurance card
• Their license plate
• Damage to both vehicles (close and wide shots)
• The overall scene

If possible, also get:

• Phone number
• Email address
• Photos of their vehicle including VIN if insurance card isn’t available

​Do not rely on:
A name scribbled on a napkin.
Or a number someone verbally gives you in a hurry.

​Documentation protects honest people.

After a car accident in Wisconsin, do NOT:

• Leave the scene without exchanging information
• Admit fault (even casually)
• Offer roadside payment
• Post about the accident on social media
• Discuss details with anyone other than law enforcement or your insurance contacts

​Even if you believe you were at fault, let the professionals sort it out.

Even if:

• It seems minor
• You don’t think you’ll file a claim
• The other party “said they’ll handle it”
• You’re hoping it just goes away

​Call.
Filing a Wisconsin crash report and filing an insurance claim are two different things.

A crash report documents the incident.
An insurance claim starts the coverage and repair process.

Not sure which direction makes sense?
Call before deciding.

Every reported crash — regardless of fault — appears on your driver record.
It typically shows:

• Date
• County
• Severity
• Involvement

Insurance companies often review the previous 5–6 years when evaluating risk.

Example:
You have a $350 parking lot scrape.
You file the Wisconsin Driver Report of Crash.
Even if you are not at fault, that $350 incident may still appear in your crash history.
That doesn’t mean “never report.”
It means use discretion — and talk through it first.

Sometimes, after a minor Wisconsin parking lot accident, both parties agree to handle damages without filing a claim.
If you choose that route:
✔ Take clear photos
✔ Agree in writing to the payment amount
✔ Use a signed release of liability
✔ Keep copies of everything

​A properly written agreement should state that once payment is made, the other party is no longer liable for additional property damage or bodily injury related to that incident.
We have a simple release template available under our Resources tab.

Important:
Choosing to pay out of pocket does not eliminate Wisconsin accident reporting requirements if the crash meets the legal reporting thresholds.
And if there are injuries, disputes, or uncertainty — filing a claim is usually the wiser path.

Most people are honest.

​But accidents are stressful. Memories shift. Financial pressure creeps in. Stories evolve.
Documentation protects the honest people.

And if you’re a Wisconsin driver and ever feel unsure about your next step after an accident, call Sage Insurance Group before making big decisions.

We’d rather answer a calm question today than fix a preventable mess next month.

Every year on International Women’s Day, we celebrate strength, resilience, leadership, and impact.

But today, I want to talk about a woman who rarely gets a paycheck.

The stay-at-home mom.

Because here’s the thing:
Just because she doesn’t bring home a salary… doesn’t mean she isn’t financially irreplaceable.

Let’s pretend for a second that Mom decided to send the family a bill.

Included on that invoice:

• Full-time childcare provider
• Short-order cook
• Chauffeur
• Housekeeper
• Laundry service
• Tutor
• Nurse
• Event planner
• Household CFO
• Emotional support human
• Scheduler of literally everything

If something happened to her tomorrow, would the family need to replace those roles?

Absolutely.

And replacing even some of them would cost tens of thousands of dollars per year.

According to national estimates, the economic value of a stay-at-home parent’s work can easily exceed $150,000 annually when you add it all up.

That’s not sentimental.
That’s math.

This is one of the most common things we hear.

“Well, we don’t need life insurance on her because she doesn’t earn income.”

But life insurance isn’t just about replacing income.
It’s about replacing economic impact.

If a stay-at-home mom were no longer there:

• One spouse might have to reduce work hours
• Children may need full-time childcare
• Household responsibilities would likely require outside help
• Emotional stress could impact earning capacity

Life insurance creates financial breathing room during an emotionally devastating time. It gives the surviving spouse options instead of panic.

And options matter.

Many women carry what’s often called the “mental load” of the household — the remembering, planning, anticipating, organizing, and managing that keeps everything running.

That work is invisible.

But it’s not optional.

When we insure a stay-at-home mom, we’re not assigning her a dollar value.

We’re acknowledging that her contribution carries real financial weight.

At Sage Insurance Group, we believe protection isn’t just about paychecks.

It’s about people.

It’s about recognizing that the woman managing the home, raising the kids, coordinating the chaos, and loving everyone fiercely is an economic force — even if no one deposits her paycheck on Friday.

If your family relies on her (and they do), then her life deserves protection too.

If you’re reading this and thinking:

“Okay… but what number are we even talking about?”

We can walk you through a life insurance needs calculator to give you a starting point grounded in real numbers — not guesswork.

Because protecting a stay-at-home mom isn’t about picking a random policy amount.

It’s about understanding the true financial gap her absence would create.

— The Team at Sage Insurance Group

Reach out to us anytime.

​**This information is intended for Wisconsin residents. Coverage availability and rules vary by state.**

Let’s be honest.

Most of us get a traffic ticket and think one thing: “I’ll just pay it and move on.”
It feels easier. Faster. Less awkward than going to court.

When you pay a ticket, you’re not just mailing in a fine. You’re legally entering a guilty plea.

If that ticket is a moving violation — like speeding, reckless driving, or another offense involving the movement of your vehicle — it can impact your insurance rates for years.

Most insurance companies look back five to six years when evaluating driving history. A single moving violation can result in a surcharge (ie. Price increase) during that entire period.

That means the real cost isn’t just the $200–$400 fine.

It’s the fine PLUS the additional premium you may pay year after year.

Many people think going to court is about lowering the fine.

In reality, the smarter goal is often this:
Get a moving violation reduced to a non-moving violation (like a “signs/signals/markers” ticket). Even if the fine and/or the penalty points stay the same.

Why?

Because insurance companies generally do not surcharge non-moving violations. So even if you pay the same amount at the courthouse, you may avoid thousands of dollars in additional insurance premiums over time.

There are exceptions. If the violation is serious — such as:

• Passing a stopped school bus
• Hit and run
• Significant property damage or bodily injury
• Construction zone violations with enhanced penalties — you may want to consult an attorney and prepare accordingly.

But for standard speeding tickets or other minor moving violations?
It can absolutely be worth appearing in court.

Court takes time. Depending on the docket, you may spend several hours waiting for your case to be called.

But when you compare:

• A few hours of your time versus
• Five to six years of higher insurance premiums (likely thousands of dollars)

​
It often becomes a pretty easy financial decision.

Before you automatically pay a traffic ticket, pause.

Understand:

• Is it a moving violation?
• How long will it affect my insurance?
• Could it be reduced?

Sometimes the smartest financial move isn’t the fastest one.

Sage Insurance Group
Helping you protect what matters (and avoid unnecessary surprises).

**This information is intended for Wisconsin residents. Coverage availability and rules vary by state.**

If someone sues you and the judgment exceeds your standard liability limits, your umbrella policy helps cover the rest.

And yes—anyone can be sued, even if they didn’t do anything intentionally wrong.  

Because lawsuits aren’t always about fault. They’re often about who has money and insurance available.

You can’t control:

• Who gets hurt
• How severe the injury is
• How much an attorney asks for
• What a jury decides

You can control whether you’re financially protected when it happens.

This part surprises a lot of people. Liability coverage (including umbrella) does not cover:

• Your own injuries or property
• Natural disasters
• Criminal legal defense
• Intentional acts
• Racing or speed contests

Umbrella insurance is specifically about unintentional harm to others and the legal costs that come with it.

Here’s a simple comparison:

• Hourly cost of an attorney: often $300–$600 per hour
• Typical annual cost of a $1M umbrella policy: often a few hundred dollars per year

One deposition alone can cost more than an entire year of umbrella coverage.

Umbrella insurance doesn’t just help pay settlements—it helps pay legal defense costs, which can be financially crushing all on their own.

Some people are statistically more likely to face liability claims, including those who:

• Live on or near a lake
• Have a swimming pool or trampoline
• Own pets
• Have children—especially teen drivers
• Coach, teach, or volunteer
• Entertain frequently
• Own recreational vehicles (boats, ATVs, golf carts)

If any of that describes your life, umbrella insurance isn’t “extra”—it’s smart.

Umbrella insurance isn’t about being pessimistic.

It’s about protecting everything you’ve worked for—from savings and investments to future income.

If you’ve ever said, “I don’t know how that could happen, but I guess it could,” then an umbrella policy deserves a spot in your insurance plan.

And if you’re not sure how much coverage makes sense? That’s exactly what we’re here for.

Have questions about how this applies to your own situation?

We’re always happy to talk things through. Reach out to the Sage Insurance Group team anytime.

**This information is intended for Wisconsin residents. Coverage availability and rules vary by state.**

In June, 2023, we rebranded Richards Group Inc and started a new independent insurance agency because we had been wanting to be of higher assistance to our customers when they came to us with their increasing frustration about the price of insurance in the marketplace.

We found that each of our clients had unique needs.  One size does not fit all.  

Thus, our new agency works with many different local and national insurance carriers that can better fit the needs of our clients.

Having the right insurance coverage is important, not just for yourself but also for your friends and loved ones. If you want to protect your family’s future, consider referring them to a trusted insurance agent who can help them find the right coverage.
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An independent insurance agent is a licensed professional who represents multiple insurance companies. Unlike a captive agent, who represents only one insurance company, an independent agent has the ability to compare policies and rates from a variety of insurance companies. This means they can help you find the policy that best fits your needs and budget without being limited to one provider’s offerings.

• We’re local.  We understand what the risk exposures are for your personal and business needs right here in Wisconsin. 
• We’re interested in customizing coverage for you. One of the most appreciated advantages of using us (we have heard) is that we take time to listen and understand your needs and provide answers to your questions based on our experience.
• We can shop your unique needs across many competitors and use our partnerships to find the best values and optimum coverages.  Usually this means we can save you money!
• We continually educate ourselves in our field.  We nerd out on insurance so that you don’t have to.
• We save you time and energy- by researching multiple insurance companies and policies for you.  You end up with the information you need to in order to make an educated decision without having to do the legwork.
• We can be an inside advocate when you need to make a claim.  Obviously, everyone hopes you never have a situation where the insurance has to be used, but if you do have a claim and need assistance, we’re right here for you.

We’re not going to pretend you don’t have the option to buy insurance online. Because, well, you do.  You can “be your own” agent.  “They” say you can get a quote fast and get the cheapest coverage- but remember- most things that are cheap and easy don’t have a lot of coverage.

If you are interested in a thorough review of your insurance policies, give us a call or send us an email. We will schedule a meeting to make sure you have the coverage you need and are receiving all of the discounts you are entitled to.

Get a quote today—​contact us for more details!

At Sage, we understand that navigating the insurance world can be daunting. We partner with you at the start of the transaction to make sure that we are protecting all of your risks and your family appropriately and that you know how your policies work and how to take advantage of them.  This upfront partnership  helps the insurance process move smoothly and helps empower clients to make informed decisions – and if/when disaster strikes, our partnership continues to be strong throughout the cleanup.
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There is a difference between just purchasing an insurance policy and actually having coverage if you have a claim experience.

Dennis brings over three decades of experience in the insurance industry,  his expertise spanning a variety of insurance areas, including auto, home, life, and business insurance. His analytical approach ensures that each client receives comprehensive coverage tailored to their specific needs. 

Prior to founding Richards Group/Sage Insurance Group, Dennis worked at a major national insurance carrier where he worked alternatively with Individuals and Families and Commercial Small Group businesses for their insurance needs. Professionally, Dennis served on the Board of Directors for the Independent Insurance Association of WI (2012-2015) and was a Member of the Wisconsin Association of Health Underwriters (WAHU).  He has also taught Continuing Education for insurance for the past 8 years throughout Wisconsin.

Christine complements Dennis with her strong background in education, customer service, and community engagement. Her warm, approachable demeanor creates a welcoming environment where clients feel valued and understood. Christine believes that building lasting relationships is at the heart of exceptional service, and she is dedicated to making every client feel like a member of the Sage Insurance family.

Before entering the spectacular world of insurance, Christine spent 15 years in the education world and 3 years as an educational systems support specialist for an online education company. She enjoys serving her Waukesha and Lake Country communities and was even recognized by BizTimes Media at the 2018 Nonprofit Excellence Awards.

Sage Insurance Group is not just about selling insurance; it’s about providing peace of mind. Our clients can count on us to be there for them when it matters most.

Stay tuned for more blog posts where we’ll share helpful tips, industry insights, and ways to get the most out of your insurance experience.

Get a quote today—​contact us for more details!