Here are some of the reasons why you should file a police report anytime you are involved in a car accident.
Dealing with a car accident is a hassle, so it's not surprising that many drivers choose to forgo filing a police report. While this may save you time initially, failing to file a report can actually be a costly and even potentially dangerous mistake. Here are some of the reasons why filing a police report matters for you.
Protection
One reason why you should report an accident to the police is because it is a means of personal protection. After a collision, there's no telling how the other driver might react. They may feed you false information, flee the scene, or even act aggressively towards you. By calling the police to the scene of the accident, you can ensure that things stay under control. Additionally, when the police are present, they will interview all involved drivers, speak to witnesses, and investigate the scene of the accident. This will ensure that the details of the accident are accurately documented, preventing the possibility of the other driver changing their story or attempting to shift blame onto you.
Insurance Assistance
It's also important to file a police report because it will help to expedite the claims process. When your insurance company has access to the information included in the police report, they will be able to review the statements, assess the extent of your car's damage, and determine fault. This in turn will expedite the claims process and increase the chances of actually receiving the insurance compensation that you need to address your damages. If you forgo filing a police report, you risk receiving a lower insurance payout or, worse, risk not receiving coverage at all.
These are some of the reasons why you should file a police report anytime you are involved in an auto accident. Do you have additional questions regarding your
auto insurance? Then don't hesitate to
contact the experts at
Weeks & Associates Insurance Services in Thousand Oaks, California. We are ready to assist you with all your coverage needs today.