doesn't mean you are filing a claim. They need to know, incase the other guy's insurance tries to pin it on you. you open a file, and give them all the info so they hear about if from you first, then if the other guys insurance starts dicking you around, you already have your insurance on your side. The CANNOT raise your rates based on this, only if a claim is filed. I'v delt with this on more than one occasion, and more than one car.