Should I Call 110 or 122 for a Minor Car Scratch?
3 Answers
You can call either 110 or 122 for a minor car scratch. The 110 emergency hotline not only handles criminal and public security cases but also responds to urgent requests for help from the public in sudden emergencies. The 122 alarm service desk is a hotline established by the national public security traffic management department to handle public reports of traffic accidents. 122 is a department set up to dispatch police officers to handle various alarms, requests for assistance, and public reports, complaints, and inquiries regarding traffic management and law enforcement by police officers. In the event of a traffic accident, if it is minor, you can call either 110 or 122. If the situation is more serious and involves injuries, you should also call 120 in addition to 110 or 122.
Don't panic in case of a minor collision, the key is to check for injuries. I just handled a small accident: If it's only paint scratches, first pull over, turn off the engine, activate hazard lights, set up the warning triangle, and quickly take photos of the scene - license plates, impact points, and road signs must be clearly captured. It's advisable to immediately call 122 to report the incident; traffic police will guide you over the phone to obtain a liability determination document, which is mandatory for insurance claims. Never move the vehicle and compromise the scene! If the other party disputes or liability is unclear, waiting for the traffic police is the safest approach. Lastly, remember to contact your insurance company within 48 hours to file a claim and keep the documents issued by the traffic police.
Last week when I scraped a tree while reversing, I called 122. Newbies often get confused: minor scratches don't require calling 110—that's for public security! 122 specifically handles traffic accidents, and the operator will ask for details about the location and any injuries. From my experience, as long as no one is hurt, you can take photos and then move the car to the emergency lane to avoid secondary accidents. If responsibility is clear, both parties can exchange numbers and agree to go to a quick settlement center, which is much faster than waiting for the police. However, if the other party is stubborn and refuses to cooperate, you must have the traffic police determine responsibility on the spot to avoid losses. Remember to carry a copy of your driver's license and insurance policy—it saves time during processing.
