It does feel like overkill sometimes, but in the long run it’s probably less stressful (and cheaper) than dealing with back-and-forth emails and phone calls with insurance asking for documentation you don’t have.
I totally agree—having the police report really does save you from a ton of hassle later. One thing I’d add is to double-check if your city lets you file minor accident reports online. Sometimes that’s quicker and still gives you the paperwork insurance wants. I used to think it was all just red tape, but after seeing how picky insurance can get, I’d rather over-document than risk getting stuck.
Yeah, I hear you on the “red tape” part. I used to roll my eyes at all the paperwork too, until I watched a claim get stuck for weeks because someone didn’t have a police report. It’s wild how insurance can suddenly develop a photographic memory for every missing detail when it’s time to pay out.
I’d rather over-document than risk getting stuck.
That’s the spirit. I always tell folks: treat it like you’re prepping for a pop quiz you didn’t study for—bring every scrap of info you can find. Photos, reports, even that weird doodle you made while waiting for the tow truck... you never know what’ll come in handy.
And yeah, online reporting is a game-changer. Last time my neighbor’s mailbox got taken out (long story), he filed everything from his couch in his pajamas. Beats waiting in line at the station, that’s for sure.
It feels like overkill until you’re on the phone with an adjuster asking, “Do you have the incident number?” and you actually do.
It feels like overkill until you’re on the phone with an adjuster asking, “Do you have the incident number?” and you actually do.
That’s exactly it. I used to think snapping a bunch of photos and saving every scrap was just being paranoid, but after my last fender bender, I was glad I had everything. Ever had an adjuster ask for something random, like the exact time you noticed the damage? It’s wild how specific they get. I’d rather have too much than be left scrambling. Anyone else ever get asked for something totally unexpected?
Ever had an adjuster ask for something random, like the exact time you noticed the damage?
Yeah, I’ve had them ask for the weather conditions, what direction my car was facing, even if I had receipts for recent repairs. It’s nuts. Once, they wanted to know if I’d moved the car before taking photos. Honestly, if you think you’re overdoing it with documentation, you’re probably not. Better to have too much than get stuck arguing over details you can’t prove.
Yeah, been there. Last time my car got sideswiped, the adjuster wanted a minute-by-minute timeline—like I was supposed to know exactly when it happened while I was at work. They even asked if I’d had any “unusual weather” that day. My advice: snap tons of photos from every angle before moving anything, jot down anything you remember, and save every little receipt. It might feel like overkill, but it’s a lifesaver when they start nitpicking.
