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Car accident? Your next call should likely be to the police. Even if no one is injured, calling the authorities and obtaining an official report can save you from potential headaches down the road. Skipping this step could backfire later, whether with your insurance claim or local legal requirements. Here’s what your insurance representative at Irvington Insurance, serving Indianapolis, IN, wants you to know.
When You’re Required to File
By law, you must report an accident to the police if someone is injured, there’s a fatality, or property damage is likely over $1,000. While this sounds straightforward, it’s often difficult to estimate the cost of damage on the spot. What appears to be a minor fender bender could conceal costly issues, such as damaged sensors or frame problems, that can run into the thousands. Filing a report protects you if the other driver later claims the damage was worse or tries to pin the blame on you.
Why Insurers Prefer Police Reports
Many insurance companies prefer having an official police report, and it’s easy to see why. A report provides an unbiased account of the incident, making it easier to determine who is responsible for the fault.
Without a report, you could find yourself in a messy back-and-forth if the other driver changes their story. That official documentation can be the difference between a smooth claims process and a drawn-out hassle.
Even Minor Accidents Can Escalate
Imagine lightly tapping bumpers in a parking lot. No one is hurt, you exchange information, and both parties go their separate ways. But what happens if, two days later, the other driver claims back pain or “hidden damage” and demands compensation?
A quick police report taken at the scene would document exactly what happened and help protect you from paying for issues that weren’t there.
While Indiana law doesn’t require a report for every minor scrape, it’s often smarter to call it in. A brief stop with local officers can save you significant trouble later. For more information, contact Irvington Insurance, serving Indianapolis, IN.
