The adjuster kept circling back with more questions, and it felt like I had to prove every little detail.
That’s been my experience too, and to be blunt, it’s not worth the hassle. I’ve had two parked car incidents—first time, no police report, and the insurance company dragged their feet for weeks. I had to send photos, write up a timeline, and basically jump through hoops to prove I wasn’t making it up. They didn’t deny it, but it felt like they wanted to.
Second time, I called the cops even though it was a hassle to wait around. The report made everything smoother. Insurance barely asked any questions, just processed the claim and moved on. If you’re dealing with a hit-and-run or there’s any doubt about what happened, I’d say don’t skip the police report. It’s a pain in the moment, but you’ll save yourself a ton of back-and-forth with the insurance folks. They want that paperwork, whether they admit it or not.
Totally get what you mean about the paperwork grind.
I’ve had insurance ask for the wildest details—like, “What angle was your car parked at?” Like I’m supposed to remember that. Honestly, I’m still not sure if a police report would’ve changed much for me, but maybe my adjuster was just extra annoying. Curious—has anyone ever had a cop just refuse to come out for a minor hit-and-run?They want that paperwork, whether they admit it or not.
Yeah, I’ve had cops just tell me to file online or not bother for “fender benders.” It’s like, how am I supposed to prove anything to insurance then? Makes me wonder if it’s even worth calling unless there’s major damage. Has anyone actually had insurance deny a claim because there wasn’t a police report?
Honestly, it kinda depends on the insurance company and the adjuster you get. Some are super chill about missing police reports, especially for minor stuff, but others get all picky. I’ve seen claims go through with just photos and a solid timeline, but I’ve also seen people get stuck in paperwork limbo because the cop didn’t show up or file anything. Has anyone here actually had to fight their insurance over this, or is it more of a “better safe than sorry” thing?
Has anyone here actually had to fight their insurance over this, or is it more of a “better safe than sorry” thing?
I’ve had to go back and forth with my insurer after a hit-and-run on my old ‘72 Nova. Didn’t have a police report because the officer said it wasn’t “serious enough.” My adjuster wanted one, but after I sent in detailed photos and a written statement, they eventually processed the claim. It took longer, though, and I had to nudge them a couple times. I’d say it’s definitely “better safe than sorry” if you can get a report, but not always a dealbreaker if you can’t. Just be ready for extra hoops.
