By acting quickly, your insurer can often settle a liability claim and head off a costly lawsuit.  For this reason, insurers require that you inform them as soon as practicable when you are aware of an occurrence that may result in a claim, even if no lawsuit has been filed. As part of your insurance contract, you are required to give this notice and to provide information about the occurrence, including names and addresses of anyone injured and any witnesses, as well as the nature of any injuries or damage. You also agree to cooperate fully in the investigation of the incident.

Other than for first aid, you will not have insurance coverage for any payments or expenses you make or agree to make without the insurer's consent.