Filling out Police Reports

[Tron_fdc]

So the girlfriend decided last week to put her side quarter panel to the test by turning into a parked car. Totally her fault (insert female parking joke here) but I'm wondering about the police report.

The damage was less than $1000, but the guy whose car she hit got a little excited and went the cops and filed a report. For the last 2 days the cops have been calling her saying she has to go in and fill one out as well. If the damage is less than $1000, does she HAVE to go in and do this? From what I recall, as soon as the cops assign blame in a traffic accident they automatically issue a ticket, which I would like to avoid.

Anyone have any experience with a situation like this? Can I tell the cops to beat it or what??

[Tron_fdc]

Should I tell her to be vague and dumb in her report?? I just hate having to sign my name to anything like that, as it can be used against you down the road.

I got sued over something like this a few years ago, because I broke some guys tail light, damage was under $1000 (close to $100) but I filed a report anyway. It went to my insurance company, I got a ticket, he went to physio, I got sued, he got a settlement, and I now despise people of an unspecified background because of it.

I would prefer to do this out of court, with cash.

[CaramonLS]

Just go down to the station, all it is is an assessment of blame, basically you accept responsablity for it so they can get compensation from your insurance if you choose to go that route.

To be quite honest you need to talk to the guy and ask if they are going to go through insurance or not. It might be in your best interests if you don't and you just pay them out of the cash in your pocket.

Insurance rates can sky through the roof.

Same thing happened to me, but it was over 1000$ worth of damage. I had wanted to pay them out of my pocket so it wouldn't affect my insurance rates - but they went behind my back, called the insurance company and put in a claim against me. Basically I was ######ed. So my insurance rates are going to tax me for the rest of my life because of 1 accident barely over 1000$ and some over zealous people.

[Tron_fdc]

So is it up to me and the dude she hit to decide whether ot not it goes through insurance? Or is it up to the cops? If she gets a ticket won't the insurance company automatically know she was in an accident?

[Bring_Back_Shantz]

The police report is just so that if you go through insurance you have a record of what happened. If you are going through insurance, the Yes absolutely get a police report to protect yourself. That way you have your side of the story in writing and signed by a cop. Otherwise the guy can just tell the insurance company whatever he wants. Don't be vauge or dumb in it, as that will just cause your report to be worth sweet f*** all if there is a dispute.

Even if you aren't going through insurance, it's a good idea to do it anyway, that way the guy can't come back later and lie and say something like, "Hey I was in the car when she hit it, and my back hurts now". Seriously, the cops aren't trying to screw you, filling this sort of thing out (if done truthfully on your part) will do a lot more to protect you than hurt you.

[CaramonLS]

Originally posted by plett22@Sep 22 2004, 04:43 PM
So is it up to me and the dude she hit to decide whether ot not it goes through insurance? Or is it up to the cops? If she gets a ticket won't the insurance company automatically know she was in an accident?

If the accident was Her fault it is the person she hit that determines whether or not it goes through insurance - because the person she hits insurance company is going to want money from her insurance company.

The Cops have Zero say in whether or not you go through insurance.

The Victim's party can start the Insurance chain off.

It is in your best interest to go to the person she hit and ask them if they have put in a claim, if they have get them to withdraw it before any claims are made, then pay them out of your own pocket especially if it is under 1000$.

Insurance companies are heartless bas**rds and they don't care if its a fender bender or a giant collision, they are going to molest your insurance premuim.

[Tron_fdc]

Thanks guys. Caramon is right on this one (I just confirmed it with a friend of a friend who's friend is a cop....he was friendly). The dude she hit determines if it goes through insurance or not.

Cops have no say in whether or not it goes to insurance, but in most cases (90% of the time) you get a ticket if it was your fault. This could trigger some type of spanish inquisition from your insurance company down the road, so it's wise to beg and plead (or cry) for no ticket.

The report should be no big deal, other than opening my paranoid mind up a little. I still trust no one!! (Except CP of course )

[Cowboy]

Originally posted by plett22@Sep 22 2004, 12:47 PM
Thanks guys. Caramon is right on this one (I just confirmed it with a friend of a friend who's friend is a cop....he was friendly). The dude she hit determines if it goes through insurance or not.

Cops have no say in whether or not it goes to insurance, but in most cases (90% of the time) you get a ticket if it was your fault. This could trigger some type of spanish inquisition from your insurance company down the road, so it's wise to beg and plead (or cry) for no ticket.

The report should be no big deal, other than opening my paranoid mind up a little. I still trust no one!! (Except CP of course )

As a worker in the insurance industry....

Fill out the report. If the other party chooses to go through insurance, you can tell your company that you are paying cash and would rather not have them compensate the third party for the damaged you caused. Thus negating the rise in insurance premiums ( for most companies ) (which may not any way happen if you are 6 years clear).

Cops actually have no say in whos fault it is. Granted, if you get a ticket then the insurance company can go on that, but if you have any proof that it wasn't the insurance adjusters go to war and figure out whos fault it is. You won't get a ticket for something like that, usually it is careless driving (which they won't hand out unless the damage was ridiculous), or following too close (rear enders). Plett if you have any questions PM me. I might be able to offer you some help.

Cops actually don't know much about insurance, they like to pretend they do.