You just got a letter in the mail or maybe a ping on your phone: “Your vehicle has been recalled.” Cue the mental checklist: Is it safe to drive? Who pays for the fix? How does an auto recall affect my insurance?

Let’s clear it up – because when it comes to the connection between auto recalls and insurance, there is a lot of confusion. Here’s what really happens (and what doesn’t):

First things first: if your car is recalled, it’s not your insurance company’s problem – it’s the manufacturer’s. Recalls are issued when a defect or safety issue is discovered, usually through the manufacturer or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The good news? Repairs tied to a recall are 100% covered by the manufacturer. That means no deductibles, no insurance claims, and no out-of-pocket costs (aside from your time at the dealership).

Now, let’s say you didn’t realize there was a recall, and the defect causes an accident – like faulty brakes or a steering failure. In this case, your Auto insurance will likely pay for the damage.

However, behind the scenes, they might go after the manufacturer to recoup the cost. This is called subrogation.

From your end, the claim process will feel totally normal. You probably won’t even know this back-and-forth is happening – unless things escalate legally.

Here’s where it gets tricky: If you ignore a recall (especially one that affects safety), it can come back to bite you.

Over time, your car may be seen as riskier to insure. If that known defect leads to an accident – or just lingers unresolved – your insurance company might reconsider your rates at renewal time.

Why? Because insurance is all about risk. And an unrepaired safety issue? That’s a risk with a capital R.

In short, even though your insurer may not be tracking your recall status directly, it still pays to stay on top of repairs. Literally.

There’s no law or rule saying you have to send your insurer proof that you fixed a recall. That said, it’s smart to keep a record – just in case you ever need to file a related claim down the road.

A quick photo of the service receipt or a PDF confirmation from the dealership could save you a lot of back-and-forth later. Think of it as your “just in case” file.

Short answer? No. You are not required to call your insurance company every time a recall notice hits your inbox.

However, if it’s a major safety concern, or if you are just the proactive type (like many of our clients!), it’s not a bad idea to let your agent know once the fix is done – especially if it relates to things like braking, steering, or airbag systems.

Want to check if your car has an open recall? It’s easy – just enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) right here:
NHTSA.gov/Recalls
Even better, sign up for email alerts so you are notified the moment a new recall pops up.