Honestly, I used to think calling the cops was overkill too, but after my neighbor’s car got sideswiped and the other driver bailed, I changed my mind. He only had a couple photos and insurance kept asking for a police report he didn’t have. Took him months to sort it out. Now if anything happens to my car, I just take a deep breath and make the call—it’s annoying, but way less stressful than fighting with insurance later. Even if you’re in a rush, that report can save you so much hassle down the line.
Yeah, I get where you’re coming from—insurance companies love paperwork. Still, I’ve had mixed results. Once, I called the cops after a hit-and-run on my ‘72 Chevelle, but the officer barely looked at the scene and just handed me a report number. Insurance still dragged their feet. Is it different in other states? Maybe it depends on the officer or the adjuster you get...
Man, I feel you on the paperwork marathon. I swear, dealing with insurance is like being stuck in the world’s slowest relay race—except nobody wants to take the baton. Had a similar thing with my old Civic back in Arizona. Some guy sideswiped it in a Walmart lot and took off. Called the cops, and the officer seemed more interested in his coffee than my bumper. Got a report number, but honestly, it felt like a participation trophy.
From what I’ve seen, it really does seem to depend on the state—or maybe just the mood of whoever shows up. My cousin in Minnesota said their local cop did a whole CSI routine for his fender bender, but insurance still took ages. Guess it’s a roll of the dice whether you get Sherlock Holmes or “just-the-facts, ma’am.” Hang in there. Sometimes persistence (and a sense of humor) is all you’ve got when you’re up against insurance bureaucracy.
- Been there—my minivan got dinged outside a Target and it felt like the cop was just checking off boxes.
- Honestly, I always file a police report, even if it feels pointless. Some insurance folks won’t even look at your claim without one.
- It’s wild how much it depends on who shows up. Sometimes you get someone who acts like it’s an episode of Law & Order, other times...not so much.
- Wish there was a fast lane for this stuff. I’d pay extra just to skip the “waiting on hold” soundtrack.
- Anyone else feel like insurance adjusters have a secret club where they swap stories about making us jump through hoops?
I always call the cops, even if it feels like a waste of time. Had my old sedan sideswiped once and the insurance wouldn’t touch it without a report. It’s a pain, but skipping that step just isn’t worth the risk.
