Totally agree with being cautious about reporting minor bumps. A few years back, I tapped someone's bumper in a parking lot—literally no scratch or dent, nothing. We exchanged info just to be safe, but neither of us reported it. Glad we didn't, because later I heard from my agent that even tiny incidents can bump your premiums up. I'd say snap some quick pics for your own peace of mind, but unless there's actual damage or the other person insists, reporting might just cost you more down the road...
Yeah, definitely learned this the hard way myself. Had a super minor scrape once—barely noticeable, really—but the other driver insisted on reporting it. My rates jumped quite a bit afterward, even though the damage was basically nothing. Makes me wonder, does anyone know how long these minor incidents typically stay on your insurance record? Seems like forever sometimes...
"Makes me wonder, does anyone know how long these minor incidents typically stay on your insurance record? Seems like forever sometimes..."
Honestly, I think it's usually around 3-5 years depending on your insurer, but it feels more like dog years when you're paying those premiums... Still, I'd probably report even minor stuff—better safe than sorry if the other driver changes their mind later.
Usually, minor incidents stick around on your record about 3 years, sometimes up to 5 depending on the insurer. If you're unsure whether to report, here's what I'd do: first, document everything—take clear photos of both cars from multiple angles, even if there's no visible damage. Exchange contact info with the other driver just in case. Then call your insurance company and ask hypothetically how reporting might affect your premiums. Better to know upfront than get surprised later...
"Then call your insurance company and ask hypothetically how reporting might affect your premiums."
That's solid advice, but I'd be cautious about even mentioning hypotheticals to your insurer. Some companies log every call—even casual inquiries—as incidents, which can later impact your rates. Happened to me a couple years back: I called just to ask a question about a minor scrape (no claim filed), and next renewal, my premium jumped noticeably. Learned the hard way.
If there's genuinely no visible damage and the other driver agrees, exchanging info and documenting thoroughly is usually enough. Keep those photos handy, though, just in case something pops up later. But personally, I'd hold off on contacting insurance unless the other party insists or damage becomes apparent later.
