Do You Get Charged for Calling 911?

In America, the number to call for emergencies is 911. One may wonder if it requires any money out of the caller’s pocket to call 911. So, does calling 911 cost money? Are you charged directly? What about accidental calls? Read on as we go over these questions and some other FAQs about charges associated with calling 911.

How Much Does it Cost to Call 911?

The cost of a 911 call is usually paid for by state taxes. However, in some areas, fire departments and other city resources have an emergency response, but it is not common.

Does 911 Cost Money If You Need Emergency Services?

The cost to call 911 only occurs if emergency services are needed but these charges will not be billed to you immediately. You’ll be charged later on after receiving the required assistance.

Do You Get Billed for Calling 911?

As mentioned above, the cost for calling 911 only occurs if emergency services are needed. These services are usually provided by private companies, who will bill you or your insurance company directly.

Do You Get Charged If 911 Comes to Your House?

If your 911 call requires the assistance of police or firefighters, you will not be charged directly. Taxes will pay for these types of emergencies. However, if a 911 call results in an ambulance or paramedics arriving, it may result in medical services charging your insurance company with you paying for co-pay and associated charges out of pocket. 

How Much Does 911 Cost If You Dial Accidentally?

Dialing 911 accidentally happens more often than you may think. You will not be in trouble if you accidentally call 911. Just stay on the line and let them know it was an accident. If you fail to do so, they may send emergency services to you since they don’t know if you’re actually in an emergency. If you hang up, the 911 dispatcher may try to call back to see if you really have an emergency situation. If this happens, make sure to tell them it was unintentional. However, it is a crime to falsely call 911 on purpose and you can be fined up to $1000 or spend 90 days in jail in some areas.

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What Happens When You Call 911 for An Emergency?

When calling 911 for an actual emergency, you’ll be asked a few questions, including:

• The location of the emergency, including the street address, and room/apartment number, if you’re in a large building
• The phone number you are calling from
• The nature of the emergency
• Details about the emergency, such as a physical description of a person who may have committed a crime, a description of any fire that may be burning, or a description of injuries or symptoms being experienced by a person having a medical emergency

The 911 dispatcher may give you some instructions on what to do while waiting for help to arrive. This can include providing CPR or other emergency help until the professionals arrive.