You have just walked out to your car and found a nasty dent in the door. Or maybe you came home to find your living room window broken. Your heart sinks. Then, your brain jumps to the practical stuff: “I need to call my insurance company.”
But then a second question pops up. A frustrating one. Do I need to stop and call the police first? Will my insurance deny my claim if I don’t have a report?
It is a common worry. You want to do things right. But you also do not want to waste time waiting for an officer to show up if it is not necessary.
Here is the honest truth: It depends on the situation. For some claims, a police report is absolutely mandatory. For others, it is completely useless.
Let me walk you through exactly what you need to know. No confusing legal talk. Just real, practical advice to help you protect your money and your sanity.
Why Insurance Companies Care About Police Reports
Before we get into the specific scenarios, you need to understand why insurers like paperwork so much.
Insurance companies are in the business of verifying facts. A police report acts as a neutral, third-party document. The officer who writes it has no stake in your payout. They do not benefit if you get a check for 5,000or0.
When you file a claim, you are telling a story. The insurance adjuster has to decide if your story is true. A police report adds a massive amount of credibility to your version of events.
Think of it like this: You say someone hit your parked car. The police report shows the officer saw the damage, noted the time, and recorded the location. That is hard to argue with.
Without a report, you are asking the insurer to take your word for it. Most of the time, they will. But if something feels off, they might push back.
The General Rule of Thumb
Here is a simple rule to keep in your head:
If a crime might have happened, get a police report. If it was a simple accident or act of nature, you probably do not need one.
Crimes include theft, vandalism, hit-and-runs, and break-ins. These involve intentional, illegal actions. Insurers want law enforcement involved in these cases.
Non-crimes include backing into a pole, a tree branch falling on your roof, or a hailstorm damaging your car. These are accidents or weather events. The police cannot do anything about them anyway.
That is the short answer. But let us dig deeper. The details matter a lot.
Scenario 1: Car Accidents (The Most Common Question)
This is where most people get confused. Car accidents happen every day. Some require police. Some do not.
When You Absolutely Need a Police Report
Hit-and-run incidents. This is the number one reason to call the police. If another driver hits you and drives away, call 911 immediately. An officer will come to the scene. They will document the damage and open a case file. Your insurance company will almost certainly ask for this report number before they process your claim. Without it, they might treat the damage as your fault.
Injuries involved. If anyone is hurt, even a little, call the police. The report will document statements about who complained of pain, what medical help arrived, and the exact position of the vehicles. This becomes crucial if the injured person sues later.
Suspicion of drunk or impaired driving. Even if the other driver stays on scene, you need police. They will conduct sobriety tests. The official report will note their observations. Your insurer will require this evidence.
Disagreement over fault. You say they ran a red light. They say you did. When the stories do not match, a police report helps break the tie. The officer will look at skid marks, damage angles, and witness statements. Their conclusion carries weight with insurance adjusters.
When You Can Skip the Police Report
Minor fender benders in a parking lot. You back out slowly and tap another car. No one is hurt. Both bumpers have a small scratch. You exchange information. In many places, the police will not even come for this. They will tell you to exchange insurance details and go on your way. Your insurer will handle this without a report.
Single-vehicle accidents with no crime. You misjudge a turn and scrape your door against a concrete pillar. Or you hit a curb and damage your tire. There is no other driver. There is no crime. The police do not need to be involved. You can file your claim directly with your insurer.
Accidents on private property with agreement. You are in a grocery store parking lot. Both drivers agree on what happened. Everyone exchanges information peacefully. No one is hurt. You can handle this without police. Just take photos and get a written note from the other driver if possible.
A Note About State Laws
Some states require you to report any accident with property damage over a certain dollar amount. This amount varies. In California, it is 1,000.InTexas,itisalso1,000. In New York, it is $1,001. These laws require you to file a report with the DMV, not necessarily the police at the scene.
Check your local laws. If the damage looks significant, it is safer to call and ask. A dispatcher can tell you if they need to send someone.
Scenario 2: Car Theft or Break-In
This one is simple. Yes, you need a police report.
If someone steals your entire car, call the police immediately. Do not wait. Do not call your insurance first. Call 911. The police need to start looking for your car right away. Your insurance company will not even open a theft claim without a police report number.
The same goes for a break-in. Someone smashes your window and steals your laptop or your gym bag. Call the police. They will document the forced entry. They will note what is missing. You will give them a list of stolen items.
Your insurance claim for the stolen items and the broken window will require this report. Without it, the adjuster might think you broke your own window to file a false claim. I know that sounds harsh. But insurance fraud is real, and reports protect honest people like you.
Pro tip: Get the report number at the scene. But also ask how to get a full copy later. Some departments charge a small fee. It is worth paying. Keep that copy with your insurance paperwork.
Scenario 3: Vandalism to Your Car or Home
Vandalism is a crime. That means police involvement is usually required.
Car vandalism: You wake up to find your tires slashed or spray paint on your doors. Call the non-emergency police line. An officer may come out or take a report over the phone. Get that report number. Your comprehensive coverage will pay for the damage, but only after you provide the report.
Home vandalism: Someone throws a rock through your window. Or they spray graffiti on your fence. This is criminal mischief. Call the police. The report helps your homeowners or renters insurance claim.
There is one exception. If the vandalism is extremely minor and you are not filing an insurance claim, you do not need a report. For example, kids write their names in chalk on your driveway. You wash it off. No claim, no police needed. But if you want your insurer to pay, get that report.
Scenario 4: Home Burglary or Theft
You come home and find your back door kicked in. Your TV and jewelry are gone. This is a very stressful moment.
Call the police before you touch anything. Do not walk through the house looking for what is missing. Wait outside. Let the officers process the scene. They will look for fingerprints and tool marks.
The police report for a home burglary is the single most important document for your insurance claim. Your homeowners or renters insurance will require it. The report will list:
- The point of entry
- Signs of forced entry
- An initial list of stolen items
- Any witnesses or surveillance footage in the area
- A case number for follow-up investigation
Without this report, your claim will face serious problems. The adjuster will wonder why you did not call the police. They might limit your payout or deny the claim entirely.
Important note: Do not wait to call. Some policies require you to report the crime to police within 24 or 48 hours. If you wait three days to call, the insurer might say you violated the policy terms.
Scenario 5: Weather and Natural Damage
This is where you can relax. You do not need a police report.
- Hail damages your roof
- A tree falls on your fence during a storm
- Floodwater ruins your basement carpet
- Lightning starts a small fire in your attic
- Wind rips shingles off your house
These are acts of nature. The police have no role here. They cannot arrest the wind. They will not write a report about your leaky pipe.
Call your insurance company directly. Take photos. Document the damage. Save weather reports if you can. But do not waste time calling the police. They will tell you exactly what I am telling you: this is not a police matter.
The same applies to your car. If a hailstorm damages your hood, you do not need a report. If a deer runs into your car, you generally do not need a report (though some insurers ask for one to confirm it was a deer and not a collision with a stationary object).
Scenario 6: Accidental Damage to Your Own Property
You are moving furniture and you put a hole in the wall. You drop a heavy pot and crack the kitchen tile. Your kid throws a ball and breaks a window.
These are accidents. No crime occurred. The police will not come out for this. Do not call them.
You can file a claim directly with your homeowners or renters insurance. They will ask for photos and maybe a repair estimate. They will not ask for a police report because it does not exist.
The same logic applies to your car. You back into your own garage door. You scrape a pole in a parking garage. You drop a bike rack on your trunk. No other person is involved. No crime. No police report needed.
What Happens If You File a Claim Without a Police Report?
You might be wondering, “What if I just skip it? What is the worst that could happen?”
The answer depends on the type of claim.
For theft or vandalism: Your claim will likely be denied or delayed significantly. The adjuster will suspect fraud. You will have a very hard time proving the crime happened. Some insurers will pay smaller claims under a certain dollar amount without a report. But do not count on it.
For hit-and-run: You might still get paid, but your deductible could be higher. Many policies have lower deductibles for hit-and-run claims if you have a police report. Without it, they treat it like a collision claim. You could pay 500or1,000 more out of pocket.
For minor fender benders: You will probably be fine. Insurers handle hundreds of these claims every day without police reports. They rely on photos, repair shop estimates, and your statement.
For home burglary: Denial is very likely. Do not risk it. Make the call.
When a Police Report Can Actually Hurt Your Claim
This might surprise you. But sometimes, a police report works against you.
How? The officer writes something inaccurate. Maybe they note that you seemed “distracted” at the scene. Maybe they write that the other driver “claimed” you ran the light, even if you did not. That language stays in the official record.
Insurance adjusters will read that report. They will use it. If the report contains speculation or errors, you might have to fight to correct it.
Another risk: admitting fault. Do not say “I am so sorry, it was my fault” to an officer at the scene. That statement goes in the report. It can be used against you. Be polite. Describe the facts. Do not assign blame. Let the officer and the insurance companies figure that out.
There is also a time cost. Waiting for an officer to arrive can take an hour or more. For a minor accident with no injuries, that might not be worth your time. You could exchange information and be home in 15 minutes.
The Step-by-Step Decision Guide
Let me make this really easy for you. Ask yourself these questions in order.
Question 1: Did someone commit a crime?
- Yes → Get a police report
- No → Go to Question 2
Question 2: Is anyone injured?
- Yes → Get a police report
- No → Go to Question 3
Question 3: Is there a disagreement about what happened?
- Yes → Get a police report
- No → Go to Question 4
Question 4: Does your insurance policy require one? (Check your declarations page)
- Yes → Get a police report
- No → You probably do not need one
Question 5: Is the damage amount high? (Over your deductible by a lot)
- Yes → Get a report to protect your claim
- No → You can probably skip it
How to Get a Police Report After the Fact
Sometimes you realize you need a report, but you already left the scene. Maybe you did not call at the time because the damage seemed minor. Then you get home, look closer, and realize it is serious.
Do not panic. You can still get a report in most cases.
For car accidents: Go to the local police department or highway patrol office where the accident happened. Ask to file a “collision report” or “after-the-fact report.” Bring your photos, the other driver’s information, and any witness contacts. The officer will take your statement and create a report. It is not as strong as a report from the scene, but it is better than nothing.
For theft or vandalism: Call the non-emergency line. Explain that you just discovered the crime. An officer may come to your current location or ask you to come to the station. Be honest about when you think it happened. They understand that people do not always notice theft right away.
For home burglary: This one is time-sensitive. If you left your house in the morning and came back at night to find it burglarized, call immediately. It does not matter that the crime happened hours ago. Call now. The police still need to process the scene.
What Information Do You Need for a Police Report?
If you decide to call the police, have this information ready. It will make the process faster and smoother.
For car accidents:
- Your driver’s license and insurance card
- The other driver’s license plate number
- The other driver’s make, model, and color of car
- The exact location (street name, cross streets, or GPS coordinates)
- Names and phone numbers of any witnesses
- Photos of the damage and the overall scene
For theft or vandalism:
- The exact time you noticed the damage or theft
- The last time you know the item was safe
- An estimated value of stolen or damaged items
- Serial numbers for electronics or expensive items
- Any surveillance camera locations nearby
For home burglary:
- Your address (obviously)
- The point of entry you noticed
- Whether anyone else has keys to your home
- A list of missing items (do your best, but you can update this later)
Common Myths About Police Reports and Insurance
Let me clear up some misinformation floating around the internet.
Myth 1: “You always need a police report for any insurance claim.”
False. As we have covered, many claims do not require one. Weather damage, accidental damage, and minor agreed-upon car accidents often proceed just fine without police involvement.
Myth 2: “A police report guarantees your claim will be paid.”
Unfortunately, no. The report helps. It adds credibility. But the insurance company can still deny your claim. For example, if the report says you were drunk driving, your claim will be denied regardless. Or if the damage exceeds your policy limits. The report is evidence, not a check.
Myth 3: “If you do not call the police at the scene, you cannot get a report later.”
This is not true. As explained above, you can file after-the-fact reports in most jurisdictions. Do it as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes. But it is not impossible.
Myth 4: “The police will automatically file a report for any accident you call about.”
Not always. In busy cities, police may not respond to minor property damage accidents with no injuries. They will give you a case number over the phone or tell you to file online. That still counts. Get whatever documentation you can.
Myth 5: “Your insurance rates will go up just because you called the police.”
Calling the police does not affect your rates. Filing a claim affects your rates. The police report is just paperwork. Do not avoid calling the police out of fear of rate increases. That fear is misplaced.
Special Situations Worth Mentioning
Some situations do not fit neatly into the categories above. Here is how to handle them.
Rental Cars
You crash a rental car. The rental company has its own insurance or damage waiver. You also have your personal policy or credit card coverage.
Call the police if there are injuries, disputes, or crimes. For a minor solo accident, the rental company may have specific rules. Read your rental agreement. Many require you to get a police report for any accident, even minor ones. If you do not, they can charge you the full repair cost plus fees.
When in doubt, call the police for a rental car accident. The report may save you from a huge bill.
Rideshare Accidents (Uber or Lyft)
You are driving for Uber or Lyft and get into an accident. This is more complicated because Uber and Lyft have their own insurance that kicks in during different phases of your trip.
Always call the police for rideshare accidents. The report helps sort out which insurance policy applies. It also documents whether you had a passenger, where the accident happened, and the positions of the vehicles. Do not skip this step.
Company Cars or Fleet Vehicles
You drive a company car. You get into an accident. Your employer likely has a specific protocol. Many require police reports for any accident involving a company vehicle. The report protects both you and the company. Follow your employer’s rules. If they say get a report, get one.
Out-of-State Accidents
You live in Ohio. You crash in Florida. The rules do not change much. Call the local police where the accident happened. They will file a report under Florida law. That report works fine for your Ohio insurance company. The location does not matter. The existence of the report matters.
Hit-and-Run as a Pedestrian
Someone hits you while you are walking and drives away. Call 911 immediately. You need medical attention. You also need a police report for your health insurance, auto insurance (if you have pedestrian coverage), or the state victim compensation fund. Do not wait. Call right away.
What If the Police Refuse to Come?
This happens more often than you might think. You call the non-emergency line. The dispatcher says, “We do not send officers to parking lot accidents with no injuries.”
Now what? You need a police report, but the police will not give you one.
Here is what you do:
- Ask for an incident number. Even if an officer does not come, many departments assign a number for your call. Write it down. Ask for it clearly: “Can I please have a reference number for this call?”
- File an online report. Many police departments have online reporting systems for minor crimes and accidents. Go to their website. Fill out the form. Save the confirmation email or PDF.
- Go to the station in person. If you really need a report, drive to the local precinct. Ask to speak with an officer. Explain your situation. They may take a report at the desk.
- Document everything yourself. Take photos from every angle. Write down exactly what happened while it is fresh in your mind. Get witness statements in writing with their signatures and phone numbers. This self-made documentation is not a police report, but it is better than nothing.
- Call your insurance company and ask. Tell them the police refused to come. Ask if they will accept alternative documentation. Many insurers have seen this before. They will work with you.
The Connection Between Police Reports and Fraud Investigations
Insurance fraud costs companies billions of dollars every year. They pass those costs to you in the form of higher premiums.
Police reports are one of the main tools insurers use to prevent fraud. When you provide a report, you signal that you are willing to involve law enforcement. Real fraudsters avoid police involvement. They do not want officers asking questions or reviewing security footage.
If your claim has any “red flags,” the lack of a police report will make things harder for you. Red flags include:
- A claim filed immediately after your policy started
- A claim for very expensive items with no proof of ownership
- Damage patterns that do not match your story
- A recent increase in your coverage limits
In these situations, an insurance adjuster will definitely ask for a police report. If you do not have one, they will dig deeper. They might send a special investigator. They might deny your claim.
If your claim is straightforward and you have no red flags, skipping the report is less risky. But remember that what seems straightforward to you might look different to an adjuster.
How Long Do You Have to Get a Police Report?
Timing matters more than most people realize.
For theft: Report it as soon as you discover it. Most insurers expect you to report the crime to police within 24 to 72 hours. Check your policy. Some have specific time limits.
For vandalism: Similar to theft. Report it quickly. The police need to see the scene before you clean it up. If you wash off the spray paint before the officer arrives, you lose evidence.
For car accidents: There is no strict time limit, but sooner is better. If you wait a week, the officer will wonder why. They might be less willing to help. A report filed three weeks after an accident looks suspicious.
For hit-and-run: Call immediately. This is urgent. The police might find the other driver based on paint transfers or surveillance footage. Every hour you wait reduces the chance they catch the driver.
For weather damage: There is no time limit because you do not need a report at all.
Does the Type of Insurance Matter?
Yes. Different insurance products have different expectations for police reports.
Auto insurance: Most likely to require reports, especially for theft, hit-and-run, and vandalism. Collision claims for minor accidents often do not need reports.
Homeowners insurance: Requires reports for burglary, vandalism, and theft. Does not require reports for weather, water damage, or accidents.
Renters insurance: Same as homeowners. Theft and burglary need reports. Accidental damage does not.
Health insurance: Generally does not involve police reports. The one exception is if you were injured during a crime. Your health insurer may ask for a police report to confirm the injury was not self-inflicted or part of fraud.
Travel insurance: Sometimes requires police reports for stolen luggage or personal effects. Read your travel policy carefully. Many require you to report theft to local police within 24 hours.
Commercial insurance: Businesses usually need police reports for theft, burglary, and vandalism. The rules are stricter than for personal policies because commercial fraud is more common.
What Goes Into a Police Report Anyway?
Understanding what a police report contains helps you appreciate why insurers value them.
A standard report includes:
- Date, time, and exact location of the incident
- Names and contact information of all involved parties
- Statements from each person involved
- Witness information and their statements
- Diagram or description of vehicle positions or damage locations
- Photos taken by the responding officer (sometimes)
- Weather and lighting conditions
- Officer’s observations (smell of alcohol, visible injuries, road conditions)
- Citations issued (tickets for running a light, etc.)
- Case number for future reference
Notice that the officer’s opinion of fault is not always included. In many jurisdictions, officers do not officially determine fault. They document facts. The insurance companies make the fault determination. But the facts the officer records heavily influence that decision.
How to Use a Police Report in Your Insurance Claim
Getting the report is only half the battle. You need to use it correctly.
Step 1: Get the report number at the scene. Write it down. Take a photo of the officer’s business card if they give you one.
Step 2: Obtain the full report. This may take a few days or weeks. Different departments have different processes. Some give you a copy immediately. Others make you request it online or by mail.
Step 3: Review the report for errors. Read every word. Check your name spelling. Check the date and time. Check the description of damage. If you see something wrong, contact the records department immediately. Correcting errors later is much harder.
Step 4: Provide the report to your insurer. Give them the report number when you first file your claim. Send them the full report when you receive it. Do not assume they will get it themselves. Help them help you.
Step 5: Keep a copy for yourself. Save it with your insurance paperwork. You may need it again if the claim takes months to resolve or if you get sued.
When to Call Your Insurance Company Instead of the Police
Sometimes your insurance company is the right first call, not the police.
Call your insurer first when:
- You have weather damage (hail, wind, flood)
- You caused accidental damage to your own property
- You have a minor fender bender with no injuries and the other driver agrees on fault
- You need to understand your deductible and coverage before deciding whether to file a claim
In these situations, calling the police would waste everyone’s time. Start with your insurance agent or the 24/7 claims line. They will tell you if they need a police report.
The Cost of Not Getting a Police Report
Let me be real with you. Skipping a police report can cost you real money.
Higher deductible: For hit-and-run claims, your policy may have a lower deductible (200or300) if you have a police report. Without it, you pay your standard collision deductible (500,1,000, or more).
Claim denial: For theft and burglary, the risk of denial is high. If your claim is 10,000andyouhavenoreport,manyinsurerswillsimplysayno.Youareoutthefull10,000.
Delayed payment: Even if they eventually pay, the process takes longer. They will investigate. They will ask questions. They may send an adjuster to your home. A police report speeds everything up.
Legal problems: If the other driver later sues you for an accident, having a police report from the scene protects you. Without it, it becomes your word against theirs. Lawyers love that situation. Your insurance company will still defend you, but it is messier and more stressful.
Higher premiums: This one is tricky. Filing any claim can raise your rates. But claims with police reports are not automatically worse. In fact, a report that clearly shows you were not at fault can help you avoid a surcharge. The report proves your side.
A Comparison: With Report vs. Without Report
Let me show you how different scenarios play out.
| Situation | With Police Report | Without Police Report |
|---|---|---|
| Car stolen | Claim processed in 2-3 weeks. Police actively investigate. | Claim likely denied. Insurer suspects fraud. |
| Hit-and-run damage | Lower deductible ($200-300). Claim approved quickly. | Higher deductible ($500-1,000). Possible coverage denial. |
| Home burglary | Claim paid after police investigation. | Claim denied or heavily delayed. |
| Minor parking lot accident | Officer may not come. Report adds little value. | Claim proceeds fine with photos and exchange. |
| Vandalism to car | Claim approved. Police have case file. | Claim may be denied or questioned. |
| Tree falls on house | No report possible. Not a police matter. | No report needed. Claim processes normally. |
What Insurance Adjusters Wish You Knew
I have spoken with adjusters over the years. They told me things they wish every customer understood.
“We are not trying to deny your claim.” Most adjusters want to pay valid claims. That is their job. But they need evidence. A police report is excellent evidence.
“We see fake claims every single day.” This is why they are skeptical. Honest people pay the price for dishonest ones. The police report separates you from the fraudsters.
“Call us if you are unsure.” You do not have to figure this out alone. Call your insurance company’s claims department. Ask them directly: “For this specific situation, do I need a police report?” They will tell you.
“Photos are almost as good as a report.” Not quite. But close. If you cannot get a report, take amazing photos. Dozens of photos. Wide shots. Close-ups. Different angles. Photos of the other car’s license plate. Photos of the street sign. Photos of the damage before anything moves.
“Do not clean anything up before we see it.” If you have a theft or vandalism claim, leave everything as-is until the adjuster or police arrive. Cleaning up destroys evidence.
Real-Life Examples
Sometimes examples help more than rules.
Example 1: The Parking Lot Tap
Sarah backs into a car in a Target parking lot. Nobody is hurt. Both cars have minor scratches. She and the other driver exchange information. They are both nice about it. Sarah files a claim with her insurance. The adjuster asks if she has a police report. She says no. The adjuster says, “That is fine, just send the photos.” The claim moves forward without issue. No police report needed.
Example 2: The Overnight Theft
Mark parks his Honda Civic on the street. In the morning, it is gone. He calls 911 immediately. An officer comes to his apartment. Mark gives a statement. The officer files a report. Mark calls his insurance with the report number. His claim is approved within two weeks. Police report critical.
Example 3: The Disputed Red Light
David and Maria get into an accident at an intersection. David says Maria ran the red light. Maria says David turned illegally. Both are adamant. David calls the police. The officer interviews witnesses who saw Maria run the light. The report notes that. David’s insurance company uses the report to deny Maria’s claim against him. Police report essential.
Example 4: The Hail Storm
Jennifer’s car is destroyed by a hailstorm. Golf-ball sized hail for twenty minutes. She calls her insurance company. They ask for photos and a repair estimate. They never ask for a police report. The claim is paid in full. No police report needed.
Example 5: The Broken Window
Tom comes home to find his living room window broken. He assumes it was the wind. He files a homeowners claim. No police report. A week later, he finds a baseball in his backyard. Now he realizes a neighborhood kid broke it. He already filed the claim as wind damage. This is now a problem. If he had called the police immediately upon finding the baseball, he could have corrected the record. Without that report, his claim is suspicious. Police report would have helped here, but only if he got it at the right time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Do I need a police report for a minor car accident with no damage?
No. If there is truly no damage, do not file an insurance claim at all. You also do not need a police report. Just exchange information in case something comes up later.
Q2: Can I file a police report online?
In many cities, yes. Check your local police department’s website. Online reports are usually for minor incidents like theft from a vehicle or vandalism under a certain dollar amount.
Q3: What if the accident happened in a parking lot and the police won’t come?
Ask for an incident number or file an online report. If that fails, document everything yourself and call your insurance company. They will guide you.
Q4: Does a police report cost money?
The report itself is usually free if you are involved in the incident. But getting a certified copy later may cost 5to25, depending on the department.
Q5: How long does it take to get a police report?
Same day to several weeks. It varies wildly. Ask the officer at the scene for an estimate. Some departments give you a copy before they leave. Others mail it weeks later.
Q6: What if the police report has wrong information?
Contact the records department immediately. Explain the error. You may need to file a correction request. Do this before you send the report to your insurance company.
Q7: Do I need a police report for a stolen bike from my porch?
Yes, if you plan to file a homeowners or renters insurance claim. The police may not send an officer, but you can file an online report. Get that report number.
Q8: What if the other driver leaves before the police arrive?
That is a hit-and-run. Call the police immediately. Give them the license plate number if you got it. The report will document the other driver’s flight.
Q9: Do I need a police report if I have a dashcam video?
The video is excellent evidence. But for theft or hit-and-run, many insurers still want a police report. The report adds official documentation. The video proves what happened. Use both.
Q10: Can my insurance company deny my claim because I didn’t get a police report?
Yes, if your policy requires one. Read your policy. Look for language about “prompt reporting to law enforcement” or “cooperation with investigation.”
Additional Resource
For a state-by-state guide on when you are legally required to report an accident to the police, visit the Insurance Information Institute website. They maintain updated summaries of reporting laws across all 50 states. Look for their “Auto Insurance” section and then “Accident Reporting Requirements.”
Link placeholder: www.iii.org/article/accident-reporting-requirements-state
Final Checklist: Do You Need a Police Report?
Print this page or save it to your phone. Use this checklist when something happens.
Call the police immediately if:
- Someone is injured or killed
- The other driver leaves the scene (hit-and-run)
- You suspect the other driver is drunk or impaired
- Your car is stolen
- Your home is burglarized
- Your car or home is vandalized
- The other driver refuses to exchange information
- The other driver threatens you
You do NOT need to call the police if:
- The damage is from weather (hail, wind, flood, tree limb)
- You damaged your own property by accident
- You had a very minor parking lot bump with no injuries and both parties agree on what happened
- An animal ran into your car (but check with your insurer)
- Your pipe burst or your appliance leaked
Call your insurance company first if:
- You are confused about what to do
- You are not sure if you want to file a claim yet
- You need to know your deductible before deciding to involve police
Conclusion
Here is what you need to remember in three lines.
For crimes like theft, vandalism, burglary, and hit-and-runs, always get a police report. For routine accidents, weather damage, and accidental self-damage, you can safely skip it. When in doubt, call your insurance company first and ask them directly what they require.
