Not every car crash involves injuries. A significant share of reported crashes result only in vehicle or property damage, and while these situations are less serious than injury crashes, the documentation and claims process still matters. Handling a property-damage-only crash incorrectly can cost you more than the repair itself.
Do You Still Need to Call the Police?
In many states, you are legally required to report a crash to law enforcement when damage exceeds a certain threshold, which is sometimes as low as $500 in property damage. Even when reporting is not legally required, calling is often worth it.
A police report creates an official record of the crash that occurred, who was involved, and what the responding officer observed. Without it, a crash becomes one driver’s word against another’s, and if the other driver later reverses their account or makes a claim against you, you have no documented evidence of what actually happened.
The tradeoff is that a police report becomes part of your insurance history. For very minor scrapes in parking lots where both drivers agree, some choose to handle it privately. That approach carries real risk: if the other driver later claims injury or more serious damage than agreed at the scene, you have no documentation to rely on. For anything beyond a light scratch, a report is the safer path.
What to Document at the Scene
Property-damage-only crashes actually allow more time for thorough documentation than injury crashes, where medical needs can distract from scene evidence. Take that time.
Photograph all four sides of every vehicle involved, close-ups of all damage, the overall crash location from multiple angles, any skid marks or debris, traffic signs and road markings near the point of impact, and the license plates of all vehicles. Photograph before any vehicles are moved, even if both drivers have agreed to move them out of traffic.
Note the exact location, the time, the weather, and the lighting conditions. Exchange full names, phone numbers, addresses, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, vehicle information, and insurance company and policy numbers with every other driver. If there are witnesses, get their names and phone numbers before they leave.
How Property Damage Claims Work
When the other driver caused the crash, the claim goes to their property damage liability coverage. Their insurer sends an adjuster or uses a digital assessment process to evaluate your vehicle’s damage. They calculate a repair estimate, and if the repair cost exceeds the vehicle’s actual cash value, the vehicle is declared a total loss, and you receive the ACV instead.
You have the right to use a repair shop of your choosing in most states. The at-fault insurer may have preferred shops and may guarantee work performed through their network, but you are not required to use them. Get at least one independent estimate, so you have a comparison point.
If fault is disputed, filing through your own collision coverage can move the repair process forward while the liability dispute is resolved. Your insurer will subrogate against the at-fault driver’s insurer once liability is established, and your deductible is typically refunded at that point.
State Reporting Requirements for Property Damage Crashes
Reporting thresholds vary by state, and they affect what you are legally required to do when no officer responds. Common thresholds run from $500 to $2,500 in property damage. When a crash meets the reporting threshold and no officer filed a report, most states require you to file a self-report with the DMV or Department of Transportation within a set timeframe, often ten days.
Failing to file a required self-report can result in fines and may affect your ability to pursue an insurance claim later. If you are unsure whether your state’s threshold applies to your crash, checking your state’s DMV website or contacting your insurer is the right step. For frequently asked accident questions about what is required in common post-crash scenarios, our FAQ page covers the process in more detail.
Should You Report to Your Own Insurer?
Yes, even if the crash was the other driver’s fault and even if the damage is minor. Most policies require prompt notification of any crash, regardless of fault or whether you intend to make a claim. Failing to notify can create complications later if the other driver makes a claim against your policy.
Reporting a crash does not mean a claim will be filed. You can notify your insurer of the event without initiating a formal claim. Your insurer can then advise you on whether to proceed through the at-fault driver’s insurer or through your own coverage.
Property Damage Claim Process at a Glance
| Step | When to Take It | Notes |
| Document the scene | Immediately | Photos, exchange of information, witness contacts |
| Call the police if required | At the scene | Required in many states above certain damage thresholds |
| Notify your insurer | Same day or next day | Required by most policies regardless of fault |
| File with the at-fault insurer | After liability is established | Or through your own collision coverage if disputed |
| Request police report | Once finalized (3-10 days) | Foundation for the insurance claim |
| Review repair estimate | Before repairs begin | Get an independent estimate to compare |
Getting the Report That Starts the Claim
Your police report establishes that the crash occurred and records what the responding officer observed about vehicle positions and contributing factors. Request your free accident report through our website, and our team will help you obtain it at any time of day.
FAQ: Property Damage Only Accidents
Do I have to call the police for a fender-bender?
It depends on your state. Many require reporting when damage exceeds a threshold, often $500 to $1,000. Even when not required, a police report is generally worth having.
Can I just pay the other driver cash and skip the insurance?
It is your choice in a minor crash, but it carries risk. If the other driver later claims injuries or more serious damage, you have no documentation and no insurer behind you. Any agreement made without documentation is very difficult to enforce.
What if I cannot afford my deductible?
If the other driver was at fault and their insurer accepts liability, you may be able to file directly with their insurer and avoid paying a deductible altogether. Your own collision coverage deductible only applies when you file with your own insurer.
Will a property damage-only claim raise my rates?
An at-fault claim typically raises rates. A not-at-fault claim generally does not, though this varies by state and insurer. Verify with your insurer before assuming.
What if the other driver’s repair estimate comes in higher than mine?
You can submit your own estimate. The insurers will negotiate between estimates, and in some cases, a third-party appraisal is used to resolve the difference.
How long does a property damage-only claim typically take?
Simple cases with clear liability often resolve within one to three weeks. Disputed liability or total loss determinations can take longer.
How We Can Help
Local Accident Reports can help you obtain the police report that documents your property-damage-only crash. Contact our team at (888) 657-1460 for support.
Content reviewed by Hernán Beresnak, Lead Editor, Local Accident Reports. Last reviewed: August 2026.
Local Accident Reports is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation. The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Use of this website does not create an attorney-client relationship. See our full [disclaimer](https://localaccidentreports.com/disclaimer/).
