Do I need a police report to file a car insurance claim?

Knowing how to correctly handle a car accident is essential if you are unsure whether or not to call the police. Even a minor fender-bender needs proper documentation of who is at fault and photos of the damage for an insurance company to approve a claim.

Getting a Police Report for a Car Insurance Claim

Some circumstances may cause a delay in getting a police report.

Here are a few examples:

• Holidays and Busy Periods: If you have a minor incident during a holiday or a busy period for police, an officer may not be able to respond at that time and ask you to come into the station to make a police report after the fact.
• Absentee Owner: If your car is stolen while you are away, you may not be aware of its being missing until you return.
• Injuries: If you are seriously injured, you may not be conscious and cannot give a statement about the accident until you wake up.

No harm is done if the circumstances make it impossible for a reasonable person to get a police report at the scene of an incident. However, it is usually in your best interest to get a police report at your earliest convenience.

Getting a Police Report Later

After suffering injuries in an auto accident, you will want to know how to file a car insurance claim. Even if you did not call the police, but they arrived on the scene, there is a police report available. You or your lawyer may need to go to the local police station and make an official request for a copy of the police report.

Getting a copy of the police report may provide the information you need to locate the other parties involved. Even if you have “no-fault” coverage from the best personal injury protection (PIP) car insurance company, a police report may help substantiate your claim.

No Need for a Police Report to File a Car Insurance Claim

There is no need for a police report if the incident is minor and the repairs cost less than your deductible. In this case, you will not be making a valid claim against your insurance. Even if the repairs cost more than your deductible, you may forgo filing an insurance claim to keep your rates from increasing.

Police Reports for Comprehensive Insurance Claims

If you have comprehensive insurance, a police report may not be necessary if you can document the incident without one. Suppose a tree falls on your car in a storm. Usually, you would not call the police for this type of incident.

Photos of the damage would suffice. Nevertheless, having a police report may speed up the claims process. Understand more about having full coverage car insurance to learn when you need a police report and when you don’t.

A Final Word on Getting a Police Report to File a Car Insurance Claim

For certain minor incidents, such as a rock cracking your windshield, a police report is not needed, just a photo of the car with the broken window. For other incidents, especially with injuries, major damage, or crimes involved, having a police report is critical when you file an insurance claim.