Totally get where you’re coming from—insurance companies can be sticklers for paperwork. I had a similar situation last year and the police report made things way smoother. Honestly, even if it feels like a hassle, it’s worth it for peace of mind. Dashcams are a game changer too... I wish I’d gotten one sooner.
Dashcams are a game changer too... I wish I’d gotten one sooner.
Totally agree on dashcams—mine paid for itself after a fender bender last winter. Didn’t even have to argue with insurance, just sent them the footage. Police report helped too, but the video was the clincher.
I’ve seen dashcam footage make a huge difference for my clients—especially when it comes to parked car incidents. Insurance companies love clear evidence, and it can really speed things up when you’re filing a claim. That said, if someone smashed your parked car, it’s always smart to call the police first. Even if the damage seems minor, a police report gives you an official record, which your insurer will probably want anyway.
Sometimes people skip the police if they think it’s just a scratch, but I’ve seen that backfire. Without a report, it can turn into a “your word vs. theirs” headache, especially if the other driver tries to deny it or just disappears. Dashcam footage is great, but pairing it with a report covers all your bases.
If you’re worried about your deductible or premiums going up, check your policy. Some plans have accident forgiveness or won’t count not-at-fault claims against you. It’s worth a quick call to your agent to double-check before you file.
I’ve been down this road more times than I’d like to admit—parked car, fresh dent, no note in sight. Here’s how I usually handle it, step by step:
First thing, I always snap a bunch of photos from different angles. Not just the damage, but also the whole scene—surrounding cars, street signs, anything that might help later. If there’s any paint transfer or debris from the other car, I make sure to get close-ups.
Next up is checking for cameras. Dashcam footage is gold if you’ve got it running even while parked (mine does, thankfully). But sometimes there are security cams on nearby buildings or houses. I’ve actually knocked on doors and asked before—sometimes people are surprisingly helpful.
Then I call the police non-emergency line. Even if it feels like overkill for a fender bender, having that report has saved me headaches with insurance more than once. One time I tried skipping it because the damage looked minor... ended up fighting with my insurer for weeks when the other driver denied everything.
After that, I call my insurance company and give them everything: photos, dashcam clips, police report number. They usually appreciate having all the info up front—it seems to speed things along.
One thing I’m still never sure about is whether reporting these “not-at-fault” incidents actually bumps up my premiums long-term. Some folks say it doesn’t matter if you’re not at fault; others swear their rates went up anyway. Has anyone here actually seen their premiums change after filing a claim for a hit-and-run or parked car incident? Or does accident forgiveness really cover these situations?
I get why you’d want to call the cops every time, but honestly, I’ve stopped doing it for minor stuff. Last time, I waited over an hour just for a report that my insurer barely glanced at. My rates still crept up after the claim, even though it was a clear hit-and-run. Accident forgiveness didn’t kick in either—turns out it only covers at-fault stuff with my provider. Maybe it depends on the company, but I’m starting to think the “not-at-fault” thing is more of a technicality than actual protection.
