Do I need a police report to file an auto insurance claim? (2024)
Generally, you don't need a police report to file an auto insurance claim, though most state laws require drivers to call the police for accidents resulting in injuries. However, a police report could help prove your case. Expect a claim to increase your car insurance rates by around 45%.
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Brandon Frady
Licensed Insurance Agent
Brandon Frady has been a licensed insurance agent and insurance office manager since 2018. He has experience in ventures from retail to finance, working positions from cashier to management, but it wasn’t until Brandon started working in the insurance industry that he truly felt at home in his career. In his day-to-day interactions, he aims to live out his business philosophy in how he treats hi...
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UPDATED: Sep 21, 2024
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UPDATED: Sep 21, 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 insurance industry 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
- In most cases, you won’t need a police report to file an auto insurance claim
- However, some states may require a police presence if damages are severe
- Expect car insurance rates to go up by around 45% after filing a claim
Do I need a police report to file an auto insurance claim? Generally, you won’t need a police report for the auto insurance claims process. You can file a claim without a police report in most cases, but if there’s any dispute about fault, a police report could benefit your case.
You may be understandably shocked or concerned whenever you get into an accident and want to know how to file an auto insurance claim. Keep reading to learn the answer to, “Can you file an insurance claim without a police report? You can also enter your ZIP code into our free quote tool above to find the cheapest coverage near you.
You Don’t Need a Police Report to File an Auto Insurance Claim
You won’t need a police report to file a car insurance claim. In addition, if nobody has injuries from the accident and the damage to vehicles or properties is minor, there should be no need to involve the police.
However, if there is a dispute about whether another party had a valid license or insurance or they leave the scene without giving you their information, police presence may be necessary.
Find out more about what to do if you didn’t get any insurance information after an accident.
In many places, the police won’t get involved in any accident on private property, including certain commercial parking lots. You may also need to refer to the laws in your state to see whether regulations insist that you refer to the police. For example, Florida statutes say anyone involved in a crash with at least $500 estimated vehicle or property damage should immediately contact law enforcement.
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How to File an Auto Insurance Claim Without a Police Report
If you don’t have a police report, you should file as much information as possible supporting your car insurance claim.
For example, include:
- Accident location
- Date and time of the incident
- Involved individuals and all their contact information
- Insurance information for all involved parties
- Any environmental factors that may be contributory
- Contact information for any witnesses
It will also help to submit photos of the accident scene and damage to the vehicle.
In addition, it’s important to understand the implications of filing a claim. Check out the table below to see how much your rates could go up after a claim:
Full Coverage Auto Insurance Monthly Rates for Clean Record vs. One Accident| Insurance Company | Clean Record | One Accident |
|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $160 | $225 |
| American Family | $117 | $176 |
| Farmers | $139 | $198 |
| Geico | $80 | $132 |
| Liberty Mutual | $174 | $234 |
| Nationwide | $115 | $161 |
| Progressive | $105 | $186 |
| State Farm | $86 | $102 |
| Travelers | $99 | $139 |
| U.S Average | $119 | $173 |
As you can see, rates go up by around 45% after filing a claim, so you should only file one if it’s worth it.
The Absence of a Police Report Could Affect Your Car Insurance Claim
It’s certainly possible to make a successful car insurance claim without a police report, but it may take longer to process. Once you’ve filed your claim, you can speak with an insurance representative or visit the company website to check on the status.
Learn More: “How long does it take for an auto insurance company to pay out a claim?”
Collect and present as much information as possible to remove any potential questions. Otherwise, the insurance company may need to conduct further investigations before concluding.Eric Stauffer Licensed Insurance Agent
You can read more to discover what happens if the fault can’t be determined after a car accident.
You Don’t Always Need a Police Report to File a Claim
In most cases, you will not need a police report to file an auto insurance claim, but it may speed up the process if you have one. Note that some states may require you to call the police to an accident. At other times, the police may be too busy or unwilling to attend. Gather and submit as much information as you can to support your claim.
Always on the go? Our mobile app lets you access your ID card, file a claim, make a payment, and much more. Download now: https://t.co/RRewJ60VKH pic.twitter.com/SLkSEcl7li
— Liberty Mutual (@LibertyMutual) January 31, 2023
Ready to find more affordable car insurance after filing a claim? Simply enter your ZIP code below to compare rates with our free quote comparison tool.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can you claim for a car accident without a police report in Florida?
The state requires you to involve the police if any injuries or property damage exceeds $500. Otherwise, you can file a claim without a police report.
Learn More: Affordable Florida Auto Insurance Quotes
When should I report an accident to my insurance company?
It’s best if you report any accident to your insurance company as soon as possible.
What should I do if the other party claims I was at fault in an accident?
It’s best to get a police report if possible, as a police officer will be an impartial witness and can provide evidence to the insurance company.
Do you need a police report to file an insurance claim for a hit-and-run?
Yes, you’ll generally want to get a police report for a hit-and-run claim, particularly if you plan to present legal charges.
Can I file an insurance claim without a police report with Geico?
Yes, generally, Geico allows you to file an auto insurance claim without a police report, though one may significantly strengthen your case. Find out more in our Geico auto insurance review.
Do you need a police report to file an insurance claim with Progressive?
No, you can usually file a claim with Progressive if you don’t have a police report. However, you should consider getting a police report if possible to increase your chances of a successful settlement. Learn more about this provider in our Progressive insurance review.
Do I need a police report to file a claim with State Farm?
You don’t need a police report if you plan to file a State Farm claim, but it could improve your chances of a good outcome.
Do you need a police report to file an insurance claim in Texas?
While some insurers may require a police report in the state, Texas law allows you to file a claim without one.
Learn More: Cheap Texas Auto Insurance
Do you need a police report to file an insurance claim for hitting a deer?
No, you don’t need a police report to file a deer-related car insurance claim, though it could help faciliate the claims process.
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Does a police report automatically go to insurance in NJ?
No, your police report won’t automatically go to car insurance in New Jersey. However, you may need to provide a copy when filing a claim.
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Brandon Frady
Licensed Insurance Agent
Brandon Frady has been a licensed insurance agent and insurance office manager since 2018. He has experience in ventures from retail to finance, working positions from cashier to management, but it wasn’t until Brandon started working in the insurance industry that he truly felt at home in his career. In his day-to-day interactions, he aims to live out his business philosophy in how he treats hi...
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.