I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve actually seen claims get delayed or even denied when there’s no police report, especially if it’s a hit-and-run or there’s any question about who’s at fault. Sometimes insurers will just take your photos and statement, but if the damage is significant or there’s any suspicion, they might ask for that report. It can feel like overkill for something small, but if the other party disputes your version later, having that police record can really save you a headache. Ever notice how the rules seem to shift depending on the adjuster or the company, though?
Honestly, I’ve learned the hard way that skipping the police report can backfire, especially with higher-end cars. Once, my claim dragged on for weeks because the adjuster wanted “official documentation” even though I had a ton of photos. It’s wild how some companies are chill and others nitpick every detail. Do you think it’s worth calling the cops even for minor scrapes, or is that just being overly cautious? I always wonder if it’s better to play it safe or risk the hassle later.
Had a similar situation with my Audi last year—tiny fender bender, barely a scratch, but the other driver started acting weird about it. I figured, eh, no big deal, let’s skip the cops. Fast forward: insurance wanted an “official report” and suddenly my photos weren’t enough. Now, even if it feels like overkill, I call the police for anything more than a door ding. It’s just less headache later, especially when the car’s worth more than my first apartment…
That’s wild—insurance companies can be so picky about paperwork. I get why you’d rather have the cops involved now, even for minor stuff. Ever had a situation where the police actually made things more complicated, though? I’ve heard stories where a simple report turned into a drawn-out ordeal, especially with older cars where parts are rare. Curious if anyone’s ever regretted calling them in after a small scrape.
Honestly, I get where you’re coming from, but I’d actually push back a bit on the idea that calling the cops always makes things messier. In my experience, having an official police report can save you a lot of headaches with insurance, especially if the other driver tries to change their story later or just ghosts you. Sure, sometimes it drags out—especially if you’re dealing with an older car and the officer isn’t sure how to code the damage or whatever—but usually that’s a minor hassle compared to trying to file a claim without any documentation.
One thing I’ve seen trip people up is thinking they can just swap info and skip the report, but then the other party disputes fault or their insurance refuses to pay. Suddenly you’re stuck with a bill and no leverage. If it’s just a tiny scratch and both sides are cool, maybe skip it, but for anything more than paint transfer? I’d rather have too much paperwork than not enough. It’s not perfect, but it beats getting stuck with the whole repair cost because someone else changed their mind.
