Do you Need a Police Report to File an Insurance Claim?

Usually, no—insurance companies can open and investigate a claim without a police report. But there are times when a report is required by your insurer, required by law, or simply the best evidence you can provide.

When you should call the police

As a rule of thumb, call the police when there’s a safety issue, a crime, or a dispute. Here are the most common situations where a police report is strongly recommended (and sometimes required):

Accidents involving another party: If your claim involves another vehicle, injuries, or disagreements about what happened, it’s smart to involve law enforcement so they can document the scene and file a report. This is especially important when a driver hits a pedestrian or there are injuries.
Theft or attempted theft: If your car is stolen, insurers typically require a police report as part of the claim.
Vandalism: If your vehicle is damaged by vandalism, a police report is often necessary to support the claim and show the damage was criminal in nature.

If you’re not sure whether to call, choose safety first. Police can also help direct traffic, document injuries, and confirm identities—details that can matter later if the claim becomes disputed.

What’s on a police report (and why insurers care)

To understand why police reports can matter for claims, it helps to know what they typically include. A report often documents:

A preliminary assessment of fault and what each driver said (helpful if the at-fault party changes their story)
Date, time, and exact location
Weather and road conditions
Vehicle and driver information (and sometimes witness information)
Damage descriptions and diagrams
Injury notes and whether medical help was requested

For theft or vandalism claims, a report may also include details about the area, the type of damage, and investigative notes. Pair it with your own evidence too—photos, receipts, and written notes matter. Here’s a practical guide to building your file: how to document damage and gather evidence for a claim.

Why it’s often smart to submit the police report

Even when it’s not required, providing the report can help your insurer move faster and reduce back-and-forth. Submitting it to your insurance company may help shorten how long your claim stays open because it gives the adjuster a neutral starting point.

It can also protect you when fault is unclear. If you’re worried about what to say at the scene, remember: be polite, stick to facts, and avoid guessing. Here’s why: should you admit fault at the scene? A police report won’t automatically decide fault for your insurer, but it can be powerful supporting evidence—especially if the other driver disputes the facts.

Finally, police reports can support the value of what you’re owed. If you’re pursuing repairs or reimbursement, the report plus documentation (estimates, invoices, medical records) can help validate the extent of your property damage and related costs.

When a police report is necessary

Some claims generally need a police report to proceed—either because the insurer requires it or because it’s hard to prove the loss without one. The most common examples are theft and vandalism. Without a report, insurers may treat the situation as unsupported and can choose to investigate the claim more aggressively—or potentially deny it if the evidence isn’t there.

When it usually isn’t necessary

There are situations where it’s often reasonable to skip calling the police—especially when there’s no injury, no dispute, and no crime. Examples include minor damage from a falling object, hail, or other comprehensive coverage events, and some single-vehicle incidents where you hit a stationary object and there’s no public safety issue.

In those situations, what matters most is thorough documentation: photos, time/date notes, and repair estimates. Then follow a clear process to file your claim the right way.

How to get a copy of your police report

In most areas, you can request the report from the responding police department (or the agency that took the report). You’ll typically need the report number, the date of the incident, and ID. Some agencies provide reports online; others require an in-person request. There may be a small fee, and reports can take a few days to become available.

FAQs on Police Reports and Insurance Claims

Can I file an insurance claim without a police report?

Yes, in many cases. Insurers can open and investigate a claim without a police report, especially for minor incidents or weather-related damage. However, a police report can help when there’s a dispute, a crime, or unclear fault.

When is a police report required for an insurance claim?

Police reports are commonly required (or strongly expected) for theft, vandalism, hit-and-run crashes, and many accidents involving another driver—especially if there are injuries. Your insurer may also require one depending on the circumstances and your state.

What if the police won’t come to a minor accident?

This happens in many cities for non-injury crashes. If officers won’t respond, ask if you can file a report online or at a station. Then document everything yourself: photos, driver info, witness contacts, and a written timeline of what happened.

Does a police report decide who is at fault?

Not always. A police report can influence an insurer’s decision, but the insurance company still performs its own investigation using statements, photos, damage patterns, and other evidence. A report is best viewed as supporting documentation, not the final word.

How do I get a copy of the police report?

Request it from the law enforcement agency that handled the incident. You’ll usually need the report number, the incident date, and identification. Some departments provide reports online; others require an in-person request and a small fee.

What if there are mistakes in the police report?

Tell your adjuster right away and submit supporting evidence (photos, witness info, receipts, dash cam footage if available). You may also be able to contact the department about the process for correcting factual errors or adding a supplemental statement.

Will my claim be denied if I don’t have a police report?

Not necessarily. Many claims are paid without one. But for theft, vandalism, or disputed accidents, not having a report can make the claim harder to prove and may slow the process or increase scrutiny.

Bottom line

Most of the time, you can file a claim without a police report—but having one can make it easier to prove what happened and reduce disputes. Anytime another party is involved, or when the loss involves theft or vandalism, it’s often best to file a report and share it with your car insurance company. It can also help you push for a faster claims process when the insurer has clear documentation from the start.

If your insurer asks for a police report, provide it. If you disagree with something in the report, submit additional documentation (photos, witness statements, receipts) and ask your adjuster how to note your dispute in the claim file.

Do you Need a Police Report to File an Insurance Claim?