Is It Useful to Report a Minor Scratch to the Police?
2 Answers
Reporting a minor scratch to the police is useful. In the event of a minor collision, you can call the police for assistance. After a collision occurs, if both parties have differing opinions on the cause of the accident, it is necessary to call the police. Traffic officers will arrive at the scene to investigate the accident, determine the responsibilities of each party, and provide a solution that both parties find acceptable, which can help resolve the incident more efficiently and quickly. If the responsibility is clear after the accident, and the at-fault party shows a positive attitude toward taking responsibility, with both parties in agreement, then it is possible not to report the incident to the police. Both parties can settle the matter privately on the spot, avoiding unnecessary trouble, saving time, and not wasting police resources.
I've been driving for twenty years and have dealt with many minor fender benders. For those small scratches, there's really no need to call the police unless someone is injured or the car is seriously damaged. Calling the police just keeps them too busy, and waiting half a day for them to arrive is useless—it just wastes time and disrupts traffic. My advice is for both parties to take photos, exchange insurance information, and settle it privately. A friend at a repair shop told me that minor scratches can be fixed for a few hundred bucks—no need to make a big deal out of it. Don’t forget to check the insurance claim process; most of the time, insurance accepts photo evidence directly, so there’s no need for a police report. In short, keep it simple—don’t call the authorities for every little thing. Efficiency comes first.
