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

Do I need a police report to file a claim with insurance if I damaged my own vehicle?

I went mudding in a field on my property and the car spun out of control and hit a tree. Do I need a police report to file a claim with insurance?

Jan 16, 2020 Hillsboro, OH

Answer
Author profile picture

Kristine Lee

Insurance Analyst

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
  • 4+ years of Experience in the Insurance Industry

Kristine is a licensed insurance agent who joined The Zebra in 2019 as an in-house content researcher and writer. Before joining The Zebra, she was a…

You do not need a police report to open a claim. Since it was a single-vehicle accident, you will be charged as at-fault if the claim is paid, which would result in a higher premium. I would get an estimate for the damage and see if it's worth filing a claim for, and possibly pay out-of-pocket to avoid a rate hike.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

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.

Icon Fill Form

Step 3: Compare your quotes

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

Icon Agent

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!

Location pin icon
No junk mail. No spam calls. Free quotes.

Related Questions

Other people are also asking...

Why does Allstate count hail damage against you?

Insurance companies are in business to make money, so when a customer files multiple claims within a certain time frame (usually 3 years), this begins to cost the insurance company more money than they are receiving from that customer. While not every company will non-renew your policy for multiple…
Feb 28, 2017 Amsterdam, NY

Can I group multiple accidents into one claim?

Unfortunately, you would be filing a collision claim which would be categorized by your insurer as an at-fault accident. This will likely cause your rate to increase. And since you have damage to two different areas of your vehicle that came from separate incidents, your insurance company will requ…
Nov 19, 2017 Sacramento, California

Should I file a claim if I damaged my car backing out of the driveway but I only have liability?

If you only have liability coverage then you won't be able to file a damage claim. Your policy would need to include collision coverage at the time of the incident for you to be able to get it repaired through your insurance provider. Unfortunately, you aren't able to add any additional c…
Jun 21, 2017 Dallas, TX

If I backed into a pole in a parking lot, do I need a police report to file a claim?

First off, a police report is not always necessary to file a claim, especially for incidents that only involve one vehicle.As for your second question, should you file a claim, the choice will ultimately be up to you. However, I recommend following the advice below before deciding to file a claim:G…
Aug 11, 2018 Taylorville, IL