Can You Report an Accident to Insurance Without a Police Report?

An accident refers to an unforeseen and unintentional event that results in harm or damage. This can encompass incidents from vehicle collisions to property damage. While a police report is often believed to be mandatory for filing an insurance claim, it is possible to report an accident to an insurance company even without one.

Reporting an Accident Without a Police Report

It is possible to report an accident to your insurer even if law enforcement was not involved or did not generate a formal report. This occurs in situations like minor fender-benders with no apparent injuries, or incidents on private property such as parking lots. Police departments may also choose not to respond to minor incidents that do not involve significant property damage or emergent injuries. The absence of an official report does not prevent a policyholder from initiating a claim.

Insurance companies process claims without a police report, relying on evidence and information provided by the policyholder. While a police report offers an objective account and can simplify the process, it is not always a prerequisite. The auto insurance claim process remains similar, with the policyholder’s detailed account and collected evidence becoming crucial in its absence.

Gathering Information for Your Claim

When a police report is unavailable, collecting comprehensive information and evidence is important for your insurance claim. Begin by securing contact details for all individuals involved, including their names, phone numbers, addresses, and insurance policy information. Also gather vehicle specifics like make, model, license plate numbers, and Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs).

Thoroughly document the accident itself, noting the exact date, time, and precise location, using street names or nearby landmarks. Provide a detailed written description from your perspective of how the event unfolded. Capturing clear and comprehensive photographs and videos of all damage to vehicles and property from various angles is also essential. These visual records should include:

• Close-ups of damage
• Wide shots of the overall scene
• Pictures of license plates
• Road conditions
• Traffic signs
• Relevant environmental factors like weather

Obtain names and contact information from any witnesses who observed the accident. Even if injuries seem minor, document any injuries sustained and immediate medical attention sought. Medical records can serve as important evidence. Collecting this detailed information immediately after the accident, often using a smartphone, helps build a robust case for your claim.

Initiating Your Insurance Claim

After gathering information and evidence, contact your insurance provider. You can do this via phone, online portals, or mobile applications. Most insurance policies recommend reporting an accident as soon as possible, ideally within 24 to 72 hours, even without a police report, to ensure compliance and a smoother process.

During this initial contact, you will be expected to provide the detailed information you collected about the accident. This includes facts about the:

• Date
• Time
• Location
• Involved parties
• Vehicle details
• Circumstances of the event

It is important to be clear, concise, and factual in your communication with the insurance representative.

Following your report, the insurance company will issue a claim number and assign an insurance adjuster. The adjuster’s role is to investigate the claim, which may involve reviewing your information, assessing damage, and requesting additional documentation or vehicle inspections. Processing time varies by complexity; straightforward claims for minor accidents might resolve within days to weeks. If additional information is needed, the insurer will communicate those requests.