Can I file an insurance claim without a police report?
If you are in a minor car accident without injuries, you can file an insurance claim without a police report.
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Chris Abrams
Licensed Insurance Agent
Chris is the founder of Abrams Insurance Solutions and Marcan Insurance, which provide personal financial analysis and planning services for families and small businesses across the U.S. His companies represent nearly 100 of the top-rated insurance companies. Chris has been a licensed insurance agent since 2009 and has active insurance licenses in all 50 U.S. states and D.C. Chris works tireles...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Sep 5, 2024
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Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Sep 5, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
It can be troubling to be involved in a car accident, no matter how big or small. If you’re in this situation, you need to know what to do next, and if your vehicle has sustained some damage, how to get it repaired and back on the road.
Yet, if insurance is involved, what’s the next step, and will you need third-party proof to back you up? In particular, can you make a car insurance claim without a police report? This is a question that many people may ask, and we understand why it is so important.
The answer to whether you need a police report to file a car insurance claim can be found below, with special attention to why you will or won’t need police report to file an insurance claim.
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- If you had a minor car accident, no police report is required
- You do need a police report to file an insurance claim when there’s major damage or injuries
- You also need a police report for an insurance claim if the other driver flees the scene
Filing a Car Insurance Claim Without a Police Report
A police report is not always needed for an insurance claim. However, there are certain circumstances when a police report is required for an insurance claim to ensure that you are protected and that your claim can go forward without any delay.
Read more: How long after a car accident can you file a claim?
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Dealing With Minor Accidents
Many car accidents are minor and may not involve injuries or other complications. In this situation, you do not have to have a police report to file a car insurance claim.
When another vehicle is involved, always get the driver’s name, address, phone number, and insurance information. If there are other witnesses, try to get their details as well. It’s a good idea to take photos of any damage.
If there isn’t any significant damage to either vehicle and no injuries, you can contact your insurance company and ask them how to file a car insurance claim. Provide them with the information you gathered, and there should be no complications.
Why You Have to File a Police Report for an Insurance Claim
Sometimes the law in your state will dictate that a police report is necessary for an insurance claim. There may be other reasons you will need to file a report with the police. Let’s look at some of them.
Injuries or Major Damage
If someone sustained injuries due to the accident, you need to bring in the police. Also, you should get an official report from them if either vehicle sustained major damage. If you’re not sure how to differentiate between “major” and “minor” damage, you should get in touch with the police and aim to get a report.
Don’t forget that it can often be challenging to determine the true scale of damage, even when it appears to be minimal. After all, a thorough inspection by a mechanic may reveal a twisted subframe or other significant damage, which could result in a larger claim. Again, it’s best to get a police report if in doubt.
Accident on Private Property
Sometimes, an accident happens on private property. For example, two cars may run into each other while maneuvering in a mall parking lot.
In this situation, police may be reluctant to get involved without good reason and are unlikely to attend a minor crash.
If your accident occurred on private property and the damage is major, or somebody was injured, you should call the police and get a report for insurance purposes. Of course, your auto insurance should cover accidents on private property.
Another Driver Flees the Scene
If you’re unlucky, the other driver may flee the scene of your accident. This can sometimes happen if they are impaired or may not have adequate insurance. In this case, you’ll need a police report to back up your story before you send a claim to your insurance company. After all, you won’t have the other driver’s details on hand.
Making A Car Insurance Claim Without a Police Report
When you contact your insurance company, they may ask you if you have a police report. As outlined above, they do not require you to have one unless the incident was major or had extenuating circumstances. If you have any doubt, it’s always best to get a police report before you decide to file a car insurance claim as this may help speed up the car insurance claims process.
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Final Thoughts: Can You Make a Claim Without a Police Report
If you’re involved in a minor car accident with minimal damage and no injuries, you can claim a car accident without a police report. However, an accident with injuries or major damage is different. With no police report, insurance claim processing may be more difficult or slower. If in doubt, it’s always best to get a police report for a car accident insurance claim.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone file a claim on car insurance without a police report?
Yes, if you are involved in a minor car accident without injuries, you can file an insurance claim without a police report.
How long do I have to file an insurance claim after a minor accident with no police report?
The timeframe for filing an insurance claim without a police report may vary depending on your insurance company’s policy. It’s best to contact your insurance provider promptly to understand their specific requirements and deadlines.
Can I still file an insurance claim if I don’t have the other driver’s insurance information?
Yes, you can still file an insurance claim even if you don’t have the other driver’s insurance information. Provide your insurance company with all the details you have, including the other driver’s name, license plate number, and any witness information you gathered.
Will my insurance rates increase if I file a claim without a police report?
Filing a claim without a police report typically doesn’t result in an automatic increase in insurance rates. However, the impact on your rates may depend on other factors, such as your driving history and the specifics of the accident. It’s advisable to discuss this with your insurance provider.
Can I still receive compensation for medical expenses if I don’t have a police report?
Yes, you can still seek compensation for medical expenses resulting from an accident, even without a police report. Provide your insurance company with any medical documentation and bills to support your claim.
Will my claim be denied if I don’t have a police report?
The absence of a police report alone does not automatically lead to claim denial. Insurance companies evaluate claims based on various factors, including the provided evidence, statements, and other supporting documentation. It’s important to provide as much information as possible to support your claim.
Do you need a police report to file an insurance claim in Michigan?
In Michigan, you don’t necessarily need a police report to file an insurance claim. However, having a police report can help speed up the claims process.
Do you need a police report to file an insurance claim in Illinois?
Similarly, in Illinois, you don’t always need a police report to file an insurance claim. However, it can be helpful to have one, especially for more severe accidents or if there is a dispute over fault.
Does a police report automatically go to insurance companies?
No, a police report typically does not automatically go to insurance companies. However, you can provide the report to your insurance company when filing a claim.
Can you go through insurance without a police report?
Yes, you can still go through your insurance company to file a claim even without a police report. However, having a police report can strengthen your case and provide documentation of the incident.
How long does a car insurance claim take?
The time it takes to process a car insurance claim can vary depending on the complexity of the claim, the insurance company’s procedures, and other factors. Simple claims may be resolved in a matter of days, while more complex claims could take weeks or even months.
Does USAA require a police report?
USAA may request a police report when filing a claim, especially for significant accidents. However, it’s best to check with USAA directly for their specific requirements.
Do you need a police report to file an insurance claim with Progressive?
You can still file a Progressive insurance claim without police report. You can file a claim with Progressive online or by phone, and you’ll need to provide details about the accident, including the date, time, location, and description of what happened.
How long do I have to report an accident to Progressive insurance?
Progressive recommends to file a claim when reporting an accident as soon as possible after it occurs.
How to file an insurance claim against the other driver with Progressive?
But, how to file a claim with Progressive? You can file a Progressive claim against the other driver by contacting their Progressive’s claims department and providing details of the accident, including the other driver’s information.
How to check my Progressive claim status?
When you file a claim with Progressive, you can check your status online through their website or by contacting Progressive’s claims phone number directly.
Can you cancel an insurance claim with Progressive?
Generally, once it’s filed, you can’t cancel a Progressive claim. However, you can choose to withdraw your claim if you no longer wish to proceed with it.
If I damage my own car, can I claim on my Progressive insurance?
Yes, if you have collision coverage or comprehensive coverage as part of your Progressive insurance policy, you can call Progressive to file a claim for damage to your own car.
Do you need a police report to file an insurance claim with Geico?
Filling a Geico claim without a police report is possible, only for minor accidents. However, you do need a police report to file a claim with Geico for more severe accidents as it can help provide documentation.
Do I need a police report to file a claim with State Farm?
Similarly, State Farm may not always require a police report to file a claim.
How to file an insurance claim for a car accident?
To file an insurance claim for a car accident, you typically need to contact your insurance company, provide details of the accident, and follow their claims process.
Do insurance companies call police to ask for car accident information?
Insurance companies may require a police report to obtain information about a car accident.
Do you need a police report to file an insurance claim for a hit-and-run accident?
A police report may be required when filing an insurance claim for a hit-and-run accident, but it’s not always required. You can file an accident claim with a police report through your insurance company and provide as much information as possible about the incident.
Free Auto Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Chris Abrams
Licensed Insurance Agent
Chris is the founder of Abrams Insurance Solutions and Marcan Insurance, which provide personal financial analysis and planning services for families and small businesses across the U.S. His companies represent nearly 100 of the top-rated insurance companies. Chris has been a licensed insurance agent since 2009 and has active insurance licenses in all 50 U.S. states and D.C. Chris works tireles...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.