I'm usually all for keeping insurance out of minor stuff, but as someone who's still getting comfortable behind the wheel, I'd say be a bit cautious here. Mirrors can seem straightforward, but depending on your car's make and model, the replacement might not be as simple as it looks on YouTube. Last year, my brother tried to DIY fix his side mirror after someone clipped it—he's pretty handy, so we thought it'd be a breeze. Turned out the wiring was trickier than expected, and he ended up damaging the mirror's motor. In the end, he had to take it to a mechanic anyway, and it cost him more than if he'd just gone straight there.
Not saying this to scare you off the DIY route (it definitely can save some cash), but just be aware of your comfort level and the complexity of your car's mirror system. If you're confident and have the tools, go for it—just maybe double-check a few tutorials and your mirror's specs first. Also, if there's more damage than just the mirror housing—like internal electronics or sensors—it might be worth at least getting a professional opinion before diving in.
About calling the cops or insurance...if it's clearly a hit-and-run and you have any chance of getting footage or witnesses, reporting it might help you down the line. Even if you don't claim insurance right away, having a police report on file can sometimes smooth things out if hidden damage pops up later. Just my cautious two cents...
"Even if you don't claim insurance right away, having a police report on file can sometimes smooth things out if hidden damage pops up later."
Totally agree with this. I've seen plenty of cases where what looks minor at first glance ends up being way pricier once the mechanic takes a closer look. Filing a police report doesn't mean you're committed to an insurance claim—it's just covering your bases in case the damage turns out worse than expected. Better safe than sorry, especially with modern cars and all their sneaky electronics...
Good points all around. A friend of mine skipped the police report once because it looked like just a scratch... turned out the bumper sensors were messed up and repairs cost a fortune. Curious, does anyone know how long after an incident you can still file a police report?
Actually, while filing a police report is usually a good idea, it's not always the make-or-break factor people think it is. In most jurisdictions, you typically have anywhere from 24 hours up to a week to file a police report after an incident, depending on local laws. But honestly, even if you miss that window, it doesn't automatically mean you're out of luck with insurance.
Insurance companies generally prefer having a police report because it provides an official record of the incident, but it's not strictly mandatory in every case—especially for minor damage or parking lot incidents. I've seen plenty of claims processed smoothly without one. The key is documenting everything yourself thoroughly: take clear photos from multiple angles, note down exact dates, times, and locations, and gather any witness contact info if possible.
That said, your friend's experience highlights a common pitfall—underestimating seemingly minor damage. Modern cars are packed with sensors and electronics hidden behind bumpers and panels, and even a small tap can lead to expensive repairs. So even if you skip the police report, don't skip getting your car checked out professionally. A quick inspection at a trusted body shop can save you headaches later on.
Also, keep in mind that filing a police report after the fact (like days later) might not carry as much weight with insurers, since details can become fuzzy or harder to verify. If you're unsure, it's always worth a quick call to your local police department's non-emergency line—they'll clarify their reporting timelines and procedures for you.
Bottom line: Police reports are helpful but not always essential. The real priority is thorough documentation and prompt professional assessment of the damage.
Yeah, totally agree with you on this. Honestly, I've skipped the police report a couple times myself for minor parking lot scrapes—just snapped a bunch of pics and made sure I had all the details down. Insurance didn't give me any trouble at all. But you're spot-on about modern cars being sneaky expensive to fix. Last year, someone backed into my bumper—looked like nothing at first glance, just a tiny dent. Took it in for a quick check, and turns out there was a sensor behind there that got knocked loose. Ended up costing way more than I expected...lesson learned.
Anyway, OP, don't stress too much if you missed the police report window. Just document everything carefully and get it checked out sooner rather than later. You've got this.
