Do Auto Insurance Companies Require a Police Report to Pay for Losses?

For coverage to apply under your automobile insurance policy the named insured or the person seeking coverage must promptly report the accident or loss to the auto insurance company regardless of fault. All information regarding the loss or accident must be provided. At a minimum the information provided must include: Time, place, facts of the loss or accident and auto insurance policy information of all parties involved. Also, the names and addresses of all persons involved in the loss or accident, the names and addresses of any witnesses, and the license plate numbers of all the vehicles involved. If you or the person seeking coverage cannot identify the owner or operator of the vehicle involved in the accident or loss, then notification to the police must be made within 24 hours or as soon as reasonably possible.



Contrary to popular belief, a police report is not required for all car accidents and losses. For example: You’ve just been “rear ended” in bumper to bumper traffic and no one is injured, the vehicles are not disabled, and there is only relatively minor damage. Drive the accident vehicles safely off the roadway to allow traffic to flow normally. Have all parties involved in the accident exchange auto insurance policy information, vehicle, and driver’s license information. If possible contact the auto insurance company at the time of the accident while both parties are present. The insurance company will inquire as to the facts of the accident. If both drivers are cooperative and agree, then the insurance company will be able to determine fault in the accident. The auto insurance company responsible for repairs will assign a claims adjuster to the case. An appointment will be made for the damaged vehicle to be examined and appraised.



In a serious accident where there is major damage to the vehicles and/or persons are injured, a police report is critical. Auto insurance companies will need to know the name of the police agency investigating the accident. The accident report by the investigating authority, statements made by persons involved in the accident, and any witness testimonials will be used to determine which auto insurance policy will compensate for damages. As noted above, a police report is also required by the insurance company in the event of a theft or an accident where the owner or driver of the other vehicle is unknown, such as in a “hit and run”.

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About the Author

Clifford Schimek

Author, Clifford J Schimek is President of Auto Plus Insurance, a family owned and operated Florida auto insurance agency. For additional...