Car insurance claims can require a great deal of information from the drivers of both vehicles in order to ensure that an accurate and fair settlement is reached. Often, the stories of how the accident happened will be completely opposite when heard from both drivers, leaving car insurance companies trying to find independent witnesses and bystanders that may have seen the crash. Failing that, companies will be forced to use the damage on the cars as a way of determining who was more likely at fault and how much they will pay for damages. In some cases, insurance companies will require their insured to fill out a police report in order to make sure that they have all of the necessary data.
Often, this report can be filled out at a local police station and does not need to be done on the same day of the accident. If there is a situation where the damage is severe enough that police must be called to the scene–for example if one car cannot be driven–then a police report will likely be filled out immediately. As well, all states have laws governing when a police report must be filed. In some states it is the amount of damage to both vehicles that is the key factor, in others, an accident of any type or value is sufficient for a report to be started. If you are involved in any accident, always assume that a police report will be necessary and take down all of the information of the other party – name, phone number, license plate number and insurance information. Again, most states have laws which state that drivers must exchange information in the case of a collision. At the very least, write down the license plate so that the police can find a listing for the other vehicle if the driver chooses not to report.
When it is completed, the police report will detail the type and estimated value of the damage to your vehicle and the other vehicle, and will also list all of the vital statistics about both drivers, including whether or not their licenses are valid and who issued both insurance policies, as well as what the policy numbers are. When this report is given to your insurance company, it aids them in getting a hold of the other party's insurance company and beginning the claims process.
No matter the type of accident or damage, a police report may be required. This assists your insurance company and can make the claims process faster, so be sure to take down all of the available information about the other party in the accident.
