I get where you’re coming from, but honestly, I’d still call the cops even if the other driver sticks around. Had a buddy once who thought a handshake agreement was enough, but then the other guy changed his story with his insurance. Without a report, it turned into a mess. Here’s how I’d handle it: 1) Snap photos of everything—damage, plates, the scene. 2) Exchange info, but don’t skip the police report. 3) File with insurance. It’s a pain, but it covers your tail if things go sideways later. Dash cam’s great, but nothing beats an official record.
Couldn’t agree more about not skipping the police report—even if it feels like overkill. I’ve seen folks try to save time or avoid hassle, but it can really backfire. One guy I worked with thought swapping info was enough, but when the other driver changed their story, he was on the hook for everything. Photos are great, dash cams help, but that official report is what insurance companies lean on when stories don’t match up. It’s a bit of a headache upfront, but way cheaper than getting stuck with a bill later.
Photos are great, dash cams help, but that official report is what insurance companies lean on when stories don’t match up.
This is spot on. I’ve seen so many cases where people think a quick info swap is enough, but when it comes down to it, the police report is what really carries weight. Insurance adjusters need something objective to go on, especially if the other party changes their version of events or just disappears. Even if you feel like you’re making a big deal out of nothing, it’s worth the hassle.
That said, I get why people hesitate—it can feel like overkill for a fender bender or a parked car hit. But in the long run, having that report can save you a lot of headaches. I’ve had claims where the only thing that tipped the scales was the officer’s notes. Photos and dash cam footage help, but they’re not always enough if there’s any dispute.
It’s a pain in the moment, but it’s usually the safer route. Better to have too much documentation than not enough, especially when you’re dealing with insurance later on.
Better to have too much documentation than not enough, especially when you’re dealing with insurance later on.
Couldn’t agree more. Been through this myself—thought swapping info was fine until the other driver started changing their story. That police report saved my butt. Yeah, it feels like a hassle for what looks like minor damage, but you never know how people will act once insurance gets involved. Definitely worth the extra step, even if it feels like overkill at the time.
Yeah, it feels like a hassle for what looks like minor damage, but you never know how people will act once insurance gets involved.
Totally get this. I used to think, “Eh, it’s just a scratch, let’s not make a big deal.” Fast forward to the other guy claiming I’d “hit and run” on his car... yeah, lesson learned. Now I just:
- Snap pics of everything (even if it’s just a ding)
- Call the cops if there’s any doubt
- Grab names and numbers, but don’t rely on ‘good vibes’ alone
Minor hassle now beats major headache later.
