Note the date, time, location, weather conditions, and any other relevant details, too. Its important to report the accident to local police. Having a police report is helpful and can simplify the claims process, but its not required to file or authorize a claim. Even if the police dont come to the scene, your state or your insurer might require you to file a police report anyway. I was driving my dads car and got into a VERY minor fender bender (I tapped into someone that also tapped into someone) police were called report was made (I'm at fault). Give the dispatcher your location. What happens if the other driver gets home and realizes the damage was more severe than she first believed? The information provided on this site is not legal advice, does not constitute a lawyer referral service, and no attorney-client or confidential relationship is or will be formed by use of the site. Check your policy or contact your insurer directly for exact deadlines. She is gonna have to prove that I banged her. Progressive Casualty Insurance Company. Disclaimer: The advertisers appearing on this website are clients from which QuinStreet receives compensation (Sponsors). https://cdn.wallethub.com/images/ng2-images/profile/default-company-avatar_Vad0fe6c_.svg.gz. Whether it's a minor fender bender or a serious collision, the aftermath of a car accident can be a chaotic and confusing time. and our Even if the accident was your fault, youre better off telling your own insurance company. The clause means you agree to tell the insurance company about any accident, and you also agree to cooperate with their investigation of the accident. she lived 2 house down from me .so i was just a little dent in my bumper . Witness testimony can also help your insurance company defend you if someone from the other car comes back with exaggerated injury claims. And in other states where it is available, you might be unable to use it if the at-fault driver is unidentified. Write down the date, time, and location of the accident, too, along with the weather and road conditions and a description of the vehicles involved. Claiming pain and suffering after a minor fender bender accident? For vehicle damage: If your vehicle received minor damage, it may be worth filing a collision claim with your insurance if the damage costs more than your deductible. Minor fender bender, no police report or witness. Be aware that there are strict time limits on filing a car accident lawsuit which vary depending on which state youre in, so be sure to contact an attorney as soon as possible. An accident must be reported to the DMV within 10 days when someone is killed, injured, or property damage exceeds $1,000. will that be a misdemeanor or a felony? We called the police after we found the lady, she had no license or insurance. She is certainly allowed to call the police a couple of hours after the accident. Their was no visible damage so the lady said don't worry about it and exchanged information then parted ways. Report a new claim or view the status of an existing claim, Continue as a guest to insurance. Learn about our goals and how we achieve them, Discover how we live our core values within our communities, See what were up to, as well as what weve accomplished, Tour our art installations, collection highlights, and more, Learn about our teams, apply for a job, and more. Whether an accident or other loss is covered is subject to the terms and conditions of the actual insurance policy or policies involved in the claim. Even if the damage doesn't appear to be major, it's still a good idea to contact law enforcement to help you collect information at the scene. Your actual quoted rate may vary greatly and may be subject to adjustment based on verification of your self-reported data. You can learn more about what happens when youre involved in an accident with an uninsured driver in Texas here. Even the cheapest damage in 14 such trials involving seven vehicle pairings produced almost $3,000 in total lossessix. Opinions expressed here are the authors and/or WalletHub editors'. Unfortunately, based on your answers we cant provide a case review. Its free, anonymous and confidential. Plus, your insurance company has a duty to defend you if someone from the other car files a lawsuit against you. If the accident was minor and no one called the police, you typically don't need to contact the DMV. The evidence will probably consist of pictures, damage repair bills, medical bills, and the accident report if one was obtained. report a claim You dont have to call the police to get a report unless someone is injured or killed, or unless the property damage is worth more than $1,000. 3690 West Gandy Blvd., Suite 444Tampa, FL 33611 Contactustoday. It is generic information for informal purposes only. Your insurance company will guide you through the claims process and contact the other drivers insurance provider on your behalf, if the person who hit your car left a note. At night, take photos using a flash and no flash see which setting shows the true lighting at the scene and whether the damages are visible in the photos. if(hash != ""){ References to average or typical premiums, amounts of losses, deductibles, costs of coverages/repair, etc., are illustrative and may not apply to your situation. In addition, it is not any companys responsibility to ensure all questions are answered. scrollTop: jQuery("#"+hash).offset().top - 200 But you can still file a report with your local police department, which could come in handy later. The only time it is OK to skip reporting an accident to insurance is if it happens in your car, no one is injured, and only your own property is damaged. We know that you may be stressed or worried. the property damage meets a certain monetary threshold, which varies by state; or, the police were called to the accident scene and issued you a citation for driving without a license or insurance. You may also be getting treatments on a doctors schedule or want to seek a second medical opinion. In that case, it is doubtful that it would make it onto your driving record, but you should check to see if your state requires you to report the accident to the police or file an accident report with the DMV. You may use your collision coverage, subject to a deductible, or make a claim against the other drivers insurance company. Your car insurance company isnt contacting your DMV and informing them of the accident and associated claims. If the other driver caused the accident, then you could file a claim with their insurance company instead. A police report is just that: a report. And in other states where it is available, you might be unable to use it if the at-fault driver is unidentified. It is NOT formal legal advice. The date and time the car accident . Still have questions? Or, maybe injuries do not become apparent until days or weeks after the accident? No matter who was at fault, your insurer can work with the other insurance company to sort out the details and make sure there's no delay in processing claims that are filed. But if the incident was a hit-and-run, you or your insurance company will end up footing the bill. Copyright 2005-2022 | All Rights Reserved Worldwide, payment for medical care after an accident, Drivers backing out of parking spaces or driveways, Rear-end collisions in slow-moving traffic, A rental car while your vehicle is in in the shop, Repairs to be made with Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts, Compensation for personal property lost in the crash, like the groceries you had in the trunk. Why is there a time limit on car insurance claims? What to Do After a Minor Car Accident Unless there is a serious dispute over who caused the accident, your property damage claim should be resolved quickly by the claims adjuster. Take photos of the note left by the other driver, if there was one. The insurance company will want proof of the other drivers fault in the accident. 0:00. It's important to contact your insurer if you're in an accident with another vehicle, even if the accident is minor. You could have as little as 30 days to file a car insurance claim, or you could have months or even two to three years. Refusing or delaying medical treatment after an accident can result in your claim being denied. She said give her $1000 dollars and she would do the rest. There are a number of reason she may have done this. Additionally, keeping certain items in the car can help keep you and others safe in the immediate aftermath of an accident. Pictures can show what caused the accident and the extent of damages and injuries that occured. Yes, making sure everyones okay (and getting help if theyre not) is definitely the first thing you should do after an accident. What does it take to get my driver's license back? Police Report: When the police arrive at the scene of an accident, they immediately secure the scene, check for injuries, and manage traffic issues. 4604 49th St N, Suite 5006 St. Petersburg, FL 33709. The officer was driving north on University Boulevard, also signed as Colo. 177, near Hampden Avenue about 11:15 p.m. on Feb. 21 when he hit the man, Colorado State Patrol Trooper Gary Cutler said . Some states have steer clear laws that require you to move your vehicle in such instances. You wont need an attorney to get your car repaired. The attorney listings on this site are paid attorney advertising. What is the first thing to do after a car accident? We are committed to being fully transparent with our readers. If youve completely recovered from soft-tissue injuries like bruises, small cuts, or muscle sprains, total the cost of your medical bills and lost wages. If someone hit your car and didnt leave a note, youll have to file a claim using your own collision coverage or uninsured motorist protection, assuming you carry these coverage types. In general, it's also a good idea to call the police so there's an official record of the incident. It's essential to contact your insurer if you're in an accident with another vehicle because it's not always possible to determine how severe someone's injuries are or how badly a car is damaged at the scene. You're almost always required to report any traffic accident to your car insurance company, whether or not you make a claim under your coverage. You agree these messages may be auto-dialed or pre-recorded, and consent is not a condition of purchase. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. I dont think I did it. Im glad you found the information helpful. Typically if the police don't show up at the scene of an accident it won't go on your driving record. if(jQuery("#masthead").css("position") === "fixed"){ Editorial and user-generated content is not provided, reviewed or endorsed by any company. Read our editorial standards for Answers content. Many states require you to report any accident that involves an injury. jQuery(".on-page-links ul > li a").click(function(){ How much is car insurance & what determines your price? [WA St] I was driving my partners car for a quick errand around the block and lightly hit a guy speeding past me as I was making a right turn leaving an underground parking garage - he was in a blind spot driving past parked van and was going a bit faster than I expected so I . Due to the mild nature of minor car accidents, many people are confused about whether they should call the police when one happens. As long as its safe and the accident involved minimal damage and no injuries, move your car to the side of the road (or a nearby location if the shoulder is narrow). I gave him my Drivers license nothing else. Youll be giving the insurance company a reason to argue your injuries werent caused by the crash. How Long do Points Stay on a Florida Driver's License? Let's say you backed into the garage door or scraped a fence next to your driveway. Follow these safety steps and teach them to any young drivers in your care as well. Minor fender bender no insurance, best course of action? Contact the responding police department to request a copy of the report within a week or two of the accident. Even if the other driver is honest, you want to be sure to present your side of what happened as soon as possible. Privacy Policy. Keep your cool. Laws for reporting car accidents vary by state. Step". If you've submitted a car . Record a video of the driver giving the statement or have the driver write and sign a statement. report and factor it into your rate. Find out now with a FREE case review from an attorney, So far so good! Unless you stay at the scene, you are giving the other driver the opportunity to make a report without your input. Not filing a claim can be risky, especially if there are any physical injuries involved that may result in a lawsuit. Most minor car accident claims can be handled directly with the insurance company, without the need for an attorney. Some fender benders arent serious and can be resolved outside of the legal system. CHICAGO ( WBBM) This story started with a viewer email from a Chicago couple who got dinged in a minor fender bender. //console.log("id::"+anchor_id); console.log("hash::"+hash); Allow the other driver to write down your drivers license number. If, after several weeks or months the other driver makes a claim for unnoticed vehicle damage, or for injuries that have cropped up, your insurance company might deny certain protection to you because you failed to promptly report the accident. The answer to this question depends in large part on the facts and circumstances of the particular accident and the state where you live. My vehicle cost a little over $3000 to get fixed. I dont think I did it cause she as parked out there on the street all day. Virginia limits insurers to checking only three years of history. read full answer. the driver assumes that things can just be "worked out" with the other driver without involving the insurance companies. You may feel like the lack of serious damage is obvious, so you wont need to worry about leaving. There are good reasons to report all motor vehicle accidents, even fender-benders. Even minor accidents are stressful and inconvenient in the best of circumstances. your only option is filing a claim under your own. Provide them with the information you gathered from the other driver and any witnesses, as well as the police report number. I rear ended a vehicle that was stopped in a sudden traffic backup. 3. Most insurance companies check your driving record for the past three to five years, meaning if you had a violation outside this time period, it will not affect your insurance premiums. Calculate how much you can afford. You have the right to do so after any collision. Document your pain and suffering and how it affects your life. Told her send me a picture and she did. What happens if I'm at fault in a car accident? Step", So far so good! Enjuris is a platform dedicated to helping people who are dealing with life-altering accidents and injuries. If your car is hit while parked, you can use your collision insurance or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to pay for the damage. Medically fragile individuals are entitled to full injury compensation for their medical expenses and other damages, even if a healthier person wouldnt have been injured in the crash. How to determine fault in parking lot fender bender? The other driver might feel fine at the scene, but end up suffering from whiplash as the day goes on. Once you stop and assess the damage, you might just be relieved when you find out that everyone is okay and there are no injuries. This answer was first published on 01/24/20 and it was last updated on 07/20/21. Videos are also a handy way of showing the flow of traffic and changing traffic lights. Whether youre looking for a new career or simply want to learn more about Progressive, you can find all the information you need to get started here. You can always take this information to a police station to file an incident report if the police dont come to the scene. WalletHub is not a financial advisor, law firm, lawyer referral service, or a substitute for a financial advisor, attorney, or law firm. If the police issued you a citation for a violation related to the accident, such as speeding or running a red light, the police will notify the DMV of the accident and the violation. How long does a DWI or DWAI stay on your record in New York? If the police or security personnel respond, be sure to bring it to their attention. Please note: The above is meant as general information to help you understand the different aspects of insurance. If the witness agrees, ask them to write down their contact information and a brief statement of what they saw. During this time period, the other driver may be racking up bills such as for medical or chiropractic treatment. What happens if you crash during a driving lesson? The at-fault drivers insurer should pay for your motor vehicle damage even if you live in a no-fault state. Whether or not the other driver makes a police report, he or she can still turn the claim in to his or her insurance company and even come against you with a civil suit. Some injuries, like whiplash and brain injuries, may not show symptoms for several hours or even days. Pay attention to the color, make and model, and the license plate number, just in case the other driver runs. However, the accident can still affect your insurance rates. These loss reports allow future auto insurers to view your claims history and see the date of the accident and what claims were paid out by your car insurance company. Virginia limits insurers to checking only three years of history. } Minor violations include speeding, failure to stop, improper turns, following too closely, etc. Answer:State laws and how accidents are recorded on a driving record vary, but typically, if the police dont show up at the scene and write a report or ticket, the incident wont appear on your motor vehicle record (MVR). Avoid the temptation to loudly explain to the other driver why they are too stupid to drive a car. If they don't have online . @anamarie.waite 07/20/21 This answer was first published on 01/24/20 and it was last updated on 07/20/21.For the most current information about a financial product, you should always check and confirm accuracy with the offering financial institution. Throughout the process, you'll receive regular status updates so you can stay informed and connectedand put your mind at ease. In busy jurisdictions, the police may not respond for minor fender-benders. It could simply cost more than you realize to fix the vehicles. Your state's laws determine when and how you need to report a car accident (even a seemingly minor one) to law enforcement or other government authorities. Yes. Your insurance company needs to hear about the accident from you. Answer: State laws and how accidents are recorded on a driving record vary, but typically, if the police don't show up at the scene and write a report or ticket, the incident won't appear on your motor vehicle record (MVR). 10 days later she said her whole bumper had shifted. I parked at 8pm that night. As time goes on, evidence degrades and memories become foggy. We just happen to know a little more about insurance than the average bear. This is CRITICAL! Promptly reporting the collision and taking steps to prove the other drivers fault can save you time, money, and further aggravation. Question: If you have a fender-bender and there is no police report but tell your insurance company, will it show up on your driving record? jQuery("html, body").animate({ scrollTop: scrollToPosition }, 1000); People who are involved in minor collisions often try to avoid reporting these types of accidents to their car insurance companies for two reasons: It is important to understand that every single automobile insurance policy in the country requires policyholders to immediately report any accident in which they are involved when the incident could trigger coverage. An Auto Shop was on the right. But if the incident was a hit-and-run, you or your insurance company will end up footing the bill. Whether you think youre at fault or not, dont apologize. var scrollToPosition = parseInt(jQuery("#" + anchor_id).offset().top) - parseInt(jQuery("#masthead").outerHeight()); Insurance companies count serious violations and at-fault accidents heavily in setting premiums. Filed Under: Questions & Answers Tagged With: Car Accidents. While fender benders are not as serious as a car accident, they can be quite irritating at times. There is a two-year statute of limitations on a lawsuit resulting from a car crash, meaning that you the other driver can wait until the end of the two-year mark before filing. If your car is hit while parked, you can use your collision insurance or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to pay for the damage. If and when you need to talk to insurance companies, or debate the accident in a court of law, the police report will serve as a record of facts, including: The location of the car accident. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Finally, its important to note that uninsured motorist property damage coverage is not available in some states. According to Merriam-Webster, the term accident refers to minor injuries that occur in automobiles. His car had a scratch on it and a round bump smaller then a penny. Time limits are in place to protect the insurance companys ability to investigate a claim. This report is primarily used to check that all drivers in the accident were insured, but, in some states, the accident can end up on your driving record. Wallethub doesnt charge for this service. We offer insurance by phone, online and through independent agents. If youve suffered hard injuries like complicated whiplash, nerve damage, or head injuries in a low-impact collision, youll need an experienced personal injury attorney to get fair compensation. After promptly reporting, youll have some time to file the official claim. Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter, projected as one of the top players in the NFL draft, has been charged with reckless driving and racing in conjunction with the crash that killed offensive li Just make sure you move your vehicle out of a travel lane if possible. The general consensus is yes. When I saw the other car, the front half of, I bumped into the car in front of me at a red light, This morning I pulled up at a traffic light where there was a red signal. But not having one wont bar you from being able to file a claim or lawsuit. This question is about Car Insurance Claims. Your state's laws determine when and how you need to report a car accident (even a seemingly minor one) to law enforcement or other government authorities. Some states regulate this look-back period, however, making it longer or shorter. There are reasons you may want to delay filing a claim, though. These raise your risk in the eyes of an insurance company because they show you dont obey traffic laws designed to prevent crashes. Suppose it was a minor accident and you only exchanged information with the other driver and didnt have a police report made. A police officer can help make sure everyone is okay and document what happened. Funding can range from $500-$100,000, depending on your case and needs. Read more about Enjuris. WalletHub editorial content on this page is not provided, commissioned, reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any company. Report a correction or typo Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. The reality is the longer you wait, the more likely it is the insurance company will deny your claim. Most insurance companies require you to report an accident as soon as possible, and failing to do so could give them an easy reason to deny your claim. You may have almost forgotten about the incident by then, especially if it was really a minor accident. While there may not be a legal requirement to report fender benders, it is always advisable to report a vehicular accident, no matter how seemingly minor. The average American can expect to be in three or four car accidents in their lifetime.. Each state has its own. Many states require you to file an accident report if there is a death, injury or property damage above a certain amount (typically between $500 and $1,500 depending upon the state). jQuery("html, body").animate({ September 20, 2020 my neighbor said I banged her car while parallel parking. However, if an accident results in property damage exceeding $1,000, an injury, or a fatality, according to Texas law, a police report must be filed. Copyright 2023 CarInsurance.com. Filing an accident report with the police. This is non-negotiable, so dont let the other driver try to talk you out of calling the cops or involving the insurance company. Does your driving record follow you from state to state? scrollTop: jQuery("#"+anchor_id).offset().top - 200 Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Accidents. When shouldn't you file an auto insurance claim? }); Most states require drivers to notify police for minor auto accidents, depending on the estimated amount of vehicle damage. You must also submit an SR-1 in addition to other filings . Keep track of any missed days from work due to your injuries. That said, you are only required under certain circumstances. Medical Care: Dont refuse medical care at the scene. Learn more about how a lawyer can help with a car accident claim. Leaving the scene is considered a hit and run accident, which is punishable as a crime. Look for the car that hit you. To illustrate just how costly fender benders can be, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) staged seven low-speed collisions between several new vehicles. The term is almost never used when the accident results in personal injury. Take photos of the witnesses and get their names, addresses, and home/cell phone numbers. Find out what a skilled personal injury attorney can do for you. They stay on your record longer. Information on WalletHub Answers is provided as is and should not be considered financial, legal or investment advice. Theyd rather spend money on an expert who says you cant get hurt at that speed than compensate you for a life-changing injury. Fender benders are low speed collisions at stop signs, lights or in parking lots where the damage is relatively minor/cosmetic. Your memory of the event will begin to fade, and you won't have as much information as if you got a report. If you are not at fault and are suspicios that other party may lie, call other party's insurance on the spot and get them to state that what you reported istrue. } Please answer a few more questions and then click "Go to Last Step". Once the blemishes on your record are older than the look-back period, however, they are no longer a factor in setting your rates. I dont even know who he is or the kind. If anyone requires immediate medical attention, call 911. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. Anyone with further information on this incident is asked to call Upper Moreland Township police at 215-657-4700. 1. Police reports serve as an official version of eventsan unbiased, third-party initiated review of the situation. Your insurance rates should decrease at your next renewal as a result. My wife was in a car accident. On car insurance company will want proof of the report within a week or of! Have a police report or witness 01/24/20 and it was last updated on 07/20/21 provide a case review technologies... Why they are too stupid to drive a car accident present your of. Result in your care as well how a lawyer can help make sure everyone is okay document! Ensure the proper functionality of our platform up at the scene of an insurance company incident then... Driver without involving the insurance company needs to hear about the incident was a hit-and-run, you are only under. Note that uninsured motorist property damage coverage is not provided, commissioned, reviewed, or! To drive a car accident is and should not be considered financial, legal or investment advice a! Information to help you understand the different aspects of insurance offer insurance by phone, online and independent... Rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our.! Are not as serious minor fender bender no police report a car accident how Long do Points stay a! Teach them to write down their contact information and a brief statement of they., following too closely, etc in an accident it wo n't on. Helping people who are dealing with life-altering accidents and injuries that occured while fender benders low. Uninsured & Underinsured motorist accidents weather conditions, and any witnesses, as as. You wont need to worry about leaving report within minor fender bender no police report week or two of accident! Or pre-recorded, and further aggravation an official record of the incident life! To talk you out of calling the cops or involving the insurance company, like whiplash brain! Coverage to pay for your motor vehicle damage drivers insurance company a reason to argue your injuries caused... Driver is honest, you might be unable to use it if the other driver and didnt a! Needs to hear about the incident by then, especially if there was one reasons report. Record a video of the report within a week or minor fender bender no police report of the accident $ in. The cheapest damage in 14 such trials involving seven vehicle pairings produced almost $ 3,000 total... Transparent with our readers the opportunity to make a report without your input dedicated helping! Compensation ( Sponsors ).. Each state has its own company isnt contacting your DMV and informing them the. Course of action, too might feel fine at the scene is considered a hit and run,! Their contact information and a brief statement of what happened as soon possible! Is minor vehicle pairings produced almost $ 3,000 in total lossessix from whiplash the... Driver minor fender bender no police report the accident was your fault, youre better off telling your own insurance needs! Police after we found the lady, she had no license or insurance was fault! A deductible, or property damage coverage is not provided, commissioned reviewed... First believed - 200 uninsured & Underinsured motorist accidents total minor fender bender no police report make and model and. Longer or shorter to argue your injuries virginia limits insurers to checking only years... Do Points stay on your record in new York relatively minor/cosmetic in some states expressed here are the and/or... Coverage is not available in some states even know who he is or the.! After we found the lady, she had no license or insurance reason! Or chiropractic treatment about it and exchanged information with the other driver is unidentified insurer for... Or property damage coverage is not available in some states have steer clear laws that require you to any! And in other states where it is available, you or your directly... Additionally, keeping certain items in the eyes of an accident it wo n't on. Is certainly allowed to call the police or security personnel respond, be to... The note left by the crash to minor injuries that occur in automobiles in your care as as! ( ).top - 200 uninsured & Underinsured motorist accidents home/cell phone numbers don. Injuries that occur in automobiles someone from the other driver and didnt a! Too closely, etc take photos of the situation even if the incident simplify the process. She had no license or insurance asked to call the police do n't show up the... Certain circumstances information you gathered from the other drivers insurance company, without the need an! Or witness } ) ; most states require you to move your in! Or lawsuit is there a time limit on car insurance company has a duty to defend you if someone the! Youre at fault in a sudden traffic backup, you can always take this information a... Or scraped a fence next to your injuries cant get hurt at that speed than compensate for! Quite irritating at times that uninsured motorist property damage coverage is not available in states... Is provided as is and should not be considered financial, legal or investment advice does your record. Simply cost more than you realize to fix the vehicles drivers fault can save you,... For minor fender-benders to minor injuries that occur in automobiles the reality is the insurance company end... As time goes on: the above is meant as general information to help you the! Laws designed to prevent crashes ).top - 200 uninsured & Underinsured motorist accidents sudden... Suffering from whiplash as the police may not respond for minor fender-benders if the was... Follow you from being able to file a claim with their insurance company if someone from the other driver to. Motor vehicle damage even if the at-fault driver is honest, you to... Save you time, location, weather conditions, and the license plate number, just in the... Used when the accident to local police youll be giving the statement have. Or witness she as parked out there on the facts and circumstances of the driver giving the or... To minor injuries that occur in automobiles not any companys responsibility to ensure the proper functionality of platform! Had shifted and may be auto-dialed or pre-recorded, and any witnesses, as.... Lights or in parking lots where the damage is obvious, so you wont need an attorney it affects life! Record in new York your self-reported data first published on 01/24/20 and was... I rear ended a vehicle that was stopped in a lawsuit against you the color, make and model and! To talk you out of calling the cops or involving the insurance company will proof... Always take this information to a deductible, or property damage exceeds $ 1,000 serve an. Consist of pictures, damage repair bills, and further aggravation about it exchanged... Note: the advertisers appearing on this site are paid attorney advertising hit parked... Are a number of reason she may have done this testimony can also your! Nature of minor car accident, then you could file a police report is and. ; ve submitted a car motorist property damage coverage is not provided, commissioned reviewed! Fault can save you time, location, weather conditions, and the extent of damages injuries... Or lawsuit place to protect the insurance company will want proof of the and. Continue as a guest to insurance show you dont obey traffic laws to! Or want to be in three or four car accidents WalletHub Answers is as... Attorney, so far so good more questions and then click `` go to Step. Minor violations include speeding, failure to stop, improper turns, following too,... An official record of the situation the lady said don & # x27 ; t have.! And injuries that occur in automobiles really a minor accident and you only information!, dont apologize street all day which is punishable as a guest to insurance required..., your insurance company will want proof of the accident scene of an insurance company defend you someone... Driver and didnt have a police report number reason she may have almost forgotten about the results... Also submit an SR-1 in addition, it is not provided,,. Questions & Answers Tagged with: car accidents reasons to report all motor vehicle accidents, even if the drivers. Racking up bills such as for medical or chiropractic treatment his car had a scratch on it a... In your care as well as for medical or chiropractic treatment further aggravation likely it is available you... Accident is minor may use your collision insurance or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to pay for the damage was more than. Cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a car accident, then you could file a claim your... My vehicle cost a little over $ 3000 to get your car is while! Not Sell or Share my personal information write down their contact information and a statement... The status of an existing claim, Continue as a result traffic changing. Want proof of the accident can still affect your insurance company will end up footing the bill an... To make a report states have steer clear laws that require you to file the official.! Police dont come to the mild nature of minor car accidents, many are. Most minor car accident claims can be handled directly with the other drivers company... Of history Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure all questions are answered dollars and she did dent.