Is It Useful to Report a Minor Scratch to the Police?

[Eloise]

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.

[MargaretFitz]

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.

[MilaLee]

As parents of two kids, I don't think it's worth calling the police for minor scratches unless it involves safety issues. I get particularly nervous when the kids are in the car, worried that any commotion might scare them. Once, I encountered a similar situation—I immediately pulled the kids aside to wait, and since the other driver was cooperative, we just took photos and left, letting the insurance handle it later. Calling the police might have made the scene chaotic and delayed our safety. I always remind my family to develop good habits: drive slowly and avoid speeding to prevent accidents. Only call the police if the other party refuses to take responsibility or flees, but for minor damages, it's usually unnecessary. Saving money and peace of mind while keeping the kids safe is what matters most.

[MargaretRose]

I've been running this auto repair shop for 15 years and seen countless minor scratch cases come through. Honestly, calling the police is often unnecessary for such trivial matters unless disputes escalate. A paint touch-up doesn't cost much, but police involvement could cause traffic delays that inconvenience everyone. My advice to car owners: just come straight for an assessment - taking photos as evidence provides sufficient protection. Only consider calling the cops if the other party becomes difficult, but most cooperative cases get resolved in three minutes, saving time and keeping roads clear. My industry experience teaches: don't complicate simple issues - swift handling prevents bigger headaches.

[VonAdeline]

From the perspective of a retired veteran driver like me, reporting minor scratches to the police seems a bit outdated. Back in my younger days, we always called the police because there were no smartphones to document evidence. Nowadays, it's much more convenient—just exchange WeChat info, take photos, and insurance companies will accept it. Once, my car got scratched, we took photos and went our separate ways, and the insurance claim went smoothly afterward. Reporting to the police is really only necessary if the other party flees or causes injuries; otherwise, it's just a waste of time and effort. As the old saying goes, don't make a fuss over small mistakes—keeping the roads orderly is more practical, so drive safely and avoid unnecessary trouble.