Ask an Agent
Have a question? We're here to help.
Ask an agent for free
Question

Should I contact the police and insurance company days after I rear ended a car?

I was driving and the lady in front of me slammed on her breaks which caused me to rear-end her. We exchanged information but we didn't think it was serious so we didn't call the police. She called me a few days later and said the damages to her vehicle were about $2,000 which was surprising. She told her insurance company that I rear-ended her but skipped the part about her slamming on her breaks. She also said she was going to call the police. I wonder in this circumstance, will the police still issue me a ticket even for an after-fact report? Should I contact my insurance company and file a claim?

Jul 28, 2021 Omaha, Nebraska

Answer
Author profile picture
Director of Insurance Content

Ava joined The Zebra in 2016 as a licensed insurance agent and writer. She now serves as director of insurance content, leading coverage strategy and…

Credentials
  • 9+ years of Experience in the Insurance Industry
It is unlikely that the other driving contacting the police days after the accident will result in any citation. Unless they were called to the scene, they probably won't even be able to write an accident report. In the majority of rear-end crashes, the driver in the back is normally considered at-fault, so it would probably be best, in this case, to contact your insurance company to begin the claims process. You do not necessarily have to get your vehicle repaired through insurance, but it's likely that you will be responsible for covering the other driver's damages. Your company will investigate the details of the incident and notify of the details if necessary.
Ask an Agent
Have a question? We're here to help.
Ask an agent for free

Insurance is complicated, but it doesn't have to be.

The Zebra searches all of the top insurance companies, in one place, so you can compare the cost and coverage you need to protect your car, home and other property.

Step 1: Tell us a little about yourself

Choose an insurance product and enter your zip code to get started.

Step 2: Sip your coffee while we find the best quotes

Enter the necessary information and then sit back while we find quotes from 100 top insurance carriers.

Step 3: Compare your quotes

Compare quotes side-by-side to find the right match for you, whether it's home, auto, or more.

Step 4: Let our agents do the hard work for you

Once you pick your policy, our agents are here to get you over the finish line. Then just relax and enjoy your savings.

Compare insurance rates today!

Pin
Shield checkmark No junk mail. No spam calls. Free quotes.

Related Questions

Other people are also asking...

What's the difference between collision and liability, versus full coverage?

Thanks for reaching out to The Zebra!This is a great question. Insurance terms can be really confusing. The term "full coverage" can mean a lot of different things.  So when you purchase liability, uninsured liability, and comprehensive and collision then you and your vehicle are covered if you are…
Oct 16, 2025 Sikeston, MO

Can I manage everything online with Shelter?

Shelter does have an app and an online account system, but they’re not as modern or flexible as some of the big national carriers. You can do the basics — things like paying your bill, pulling up ID cards, or filing a claim online. But when it comes to adjusting your coverage, adding a driver, or c…
Oct 9, 2025 Omaha, NE

What do I do if someone hits me and provides false insurance information?

Your best bet would be to contact your insurance company for assistance. If you had collision coverage on your policy at the time of the accident then your company should cover your damage anyway. Either your insurance company eats the cost of the claim, minus your deductible, or they will subrogat…
Aug 13, 2024 Los Angeles, CA

Is a tracking app worth it if I hardly drive?

SmartMiles is Nationwide’s pay-per-mile program, and it’s designed for exactly the situation you’re in — people who don’t drive much. Instead of paying a flat premium, you pay a smaller monthly base rate plus a per-mile charge. For someone driving only around 4,000 miles a year, it can often be che…
Mar 26, 2026 Lincoln, NE