Tip Of The Day: File A Police Report Whenever You're In A Car Accident

This one comes up all the time. The other driver is in a hurry. They promise to contact you. They seem honest enough. And you are so shook up you don’t even get their license plate. Basically, without a police report getting any reimbursement from your insurance company to cover the cost of repairs becomes more difficult.

So here is what you must do. Assuming no one needs medical assistance, the first call should be to the police. Then all vehicle information should be exchanged including license plate number and policy numbers off the insurance cards. Contact information should also be exchanged and it is often best to give a cell phone number rather than your home or work number.

If you have a digital camera or cell phone camera phone take photos of the damage before any of the cars are moved. Also document any damage you see on the other car(s) that is not related to your accident. Then wait for the police to take your report especially if both of you are blaming the other for the accident.

Sometimes the other driver says they have to go and tries to leave before police arrive. Inform them that you will be forced to tell the police that they left the scene of an accident.