Being in a car accident can be scary and disorienting—even a minor one. You're likely dealing with stress, confusion, and possibly injuries. With all that going on, it's easy to wonder:
“Do I need to file a police report for this?”
The short answer? In most cases, yes—and here's why.
When You Must File a Police Report
You should always call the police and file a report
when any of the following are true:
- Someone is
injured, even slightly
- There's
significant damage to either vehicle
- The other driver
flees the scene (a hit-and-run)
- One or more vehicles is
not drivable
Most states legally require a report in these situations, and
your insurance company may also require one before processing a claim.
Even if you’re unsure how serious the damage or injuries are, it’s safer to involve law enforcement. The police report provides a formal record of what happened—and that can protect you later.
Who Will Respond?
The type of law enforcement agency that responds depends on where the accident happens:
- Inside city limits:
City police
- On a highway:
Highway Patrol
- In a rural area:
County sheriff
If you're unsure who to call, dial
911, and the dispatcher will route your call to the right agency.
What If No Officer Comes to the Scene?
In some cases—especially in
larger cities or during high-demand times—officers may not be dispatched to minor collisions where:
- The vehicles are still drivable
- There are
no injuries
- Both parties remain at the scene and agree to exchange info
In these cases, you may be asked to fill out a
counter report. This is a written report that you complete yourself, either online or at the nearest police station.
Important: Keep a copy of the counter report and send it to your insurance provider to help process your claim.
What If the Other Driver Offers to “Settle It Privately”?
Sometimes, the other driver may admit fault and offer to pay out of pocket for your damages—without involving insurance. It might seem like an easy fix, but beware:
- They may
refuse to give real contact or insurance information
- You have
no way to verify if they’ll follow through
- Without a police report, you may have
no official record of what happened
Don’t take that risk. A police report documents:
- Names, contact info, and license numbers for both drivers
- Insurance information
- Witness statements (if available)
- Details about injuries or damage
- The officer’s observations and diagrams
This document can be
essential for insurance claims and even legal disputes later on.
Pro Tip: Gather Your Own Information
Even if police respond, don’t rely on them to collect everything for your claim. It can take
days or even weeks for a police report to reach your insurance adjuster.
To keep your claim moving, collect this information at the scene:
- Full name, phone number, and address of the other driver
- Their insurance company and policy number
- Driver’s license number
- Vehicle make, model, and license plate number
- Photos of all vehicles and the accident scene
- Contact info for any witnesses
- A brief written summary of what happened
Final Thoughts
After a car accident, your first priority is always safety. But once everyone is okay and immediate concerns are handled,
filing a police report can protect you from legal or financial complications later—especially if injuries or disagreements arise.
Just as important:
Let your insurance agent know what happened as soon as possible. Even if you're not sure whether you’ll file a claim, your agent can walk you through what your policy covers and advise you on your next steps.
We’re here to help you navigate these situations and make sure you don’t miss any important details—especially when stress is running high.
Accidents are unexpected. Getting help shouldn’t be.
