If I am in a single vehicle accident that caused no public property damage but likely totaled the vehicle do I need a police report to have my claim approved? A tree was hit and I am telling the insurance company I am 100 percent at fault.
If I’m In A Single Vehicle Accident That Caused No Public Property Damage, But Totaled The Vehicle – Do I Need To File A Police Report?
552 POINTSview profileRuth LadasCEO, RLI - Ruth Ladas Insurance, LLC, Fort Myers, FloridaThank you for the question. I police report is not always needed for an auto claim. It really depends on the individual fact pattern of the event. At the very least, photos should be taken at the scene and a call in immediately to the carrier would be advised. I hope that this helps!Answered on April 20, 2016flag this answer
21750 POINTSview profileJim WinklerCEO/Owner, Winkler Financial Group, Houston, TexasThat is a great question! It sounds from your description of the events that there was just you, a tree, and the car involved, and that you are taking responsibility for the accident. Since there is no one else involved, and no property damage claims involved, a police report isn't needed, unless it is a requirement in your State/town (Your insurer will know). In most case, the police report is used to verify facts when settling the claims, but since it is just you and your insurer, there's not much point. I would take pictures to document the scene, road conditions, and the car's damage just in case, but it sounds pretty cut and dried, accident/claim/settlement. I'm glad that you are okay, and able to ask your question. God was certainly watching over you. Thank you for asking, and I pray everything works out well for you.Answered on April 20, 2016flag this answer
14231 POINTSview profileTom SheehanAgency Owner, The Thomas G Sheehan Agency, 27 Glen Road Sandy Hook, CT 06482Not necessarily. It is a good idea to talk to your Insurance Professional about the specific terms and conditions of your policy and about local or state regulations. However, your Insurance Company may choose to open the liability portion of the claim in the event that anything is reported later on. If serious damage was done to the tree, it is possible that it's future health may be at risk if only in a minor way. Now, where we live in CT , we have a very large hickory tree in our front yard along the town road. The tree is actually not ours as it is growing within the town's "easment", therefore on town property and owned by the town. So just keep in mind that unless the tree is sitting on land that is not owned by anyone, individual, organization or municipality, though a police accident report may not be necessary, liability may still exist.Answered on May 26, 2016flag this answer
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