Should Minor Scratches Be Reported to the Police?
3 Answers
Whether to report minor scratches to the police is generally decided by both parties involved. If a private settlement cannot be reached, reporting to the police is the only option. However, if an accident occurs without being reported to the police and no negotiation is conducted before leaving the scene, the behavior constitutes hit-and-run. The following situations must be resolved by reporting to the police: 1. Vehicle without a license plate: A vehicle without a license plate indicates it is not legally allowed on the road; absence of an inspection sticker means the vehicle has not passed the annual inspection and is not recognized as a legal road vehicle by the traffic authorities. 2. Driver without a license: Failure to present a valid driver's license is equivalent to driving without a license. Driving without a license is excluded from insurance coverage. 3. Driver under the influence: Driving after consuming alcohol, or taking controlled substances or narcotics, will result in penalty points if caught by traffic police, regardless of whether an accident occurs. In case of an accident, insurance will not provide compensation.
I've been driving for 20 years and have encountered a few minor fender benders. Generally speaking, whether to report a minor accident to the police depends on the specific situation. If the accident is very minor, such as just some scratches or small dents on the car body, and both drivers can immediately reach a consensus with clear liability, then simply exchanging contact information and taking photos of the scene is sufficient—there's no need to rush to report it to the traffic police. However, if it involves personal injury, such as someone feeling dizzy or having abrasions, or if the damage exceeds 2000 yuan, like if the other party's headlight or taillight is broken, then you must report it to the police to protect yourself. The lesson I've learned from experience is that while private settlements are quick, if the other party changes their mind later, insurance claims can become very troublesome. A police report serves as legal protection, saving you from potential disputes down the line. It's also important to always have a dash cam in your car—it automatically records evidence in case of an accident. My advice is, if you're unsure, it's better to err on the side of caution and report it to the police. Spending a little time now is better than regretting it later, especially when driving at night with poor visibility, as mistakes are more likely to happen.
As an ordinary car owner, I think dealing with minor scratches isn't difficult. Usually, for small accidents, there's no need to call the police—it saves time and effort! The key is to assess the attitudes of both parties: if everyone can reach an agreement on the spot, take photos of each other, exchange phone numbers and driver's license information, and then discuss repair details via WeChat afterward, the insurance company can handle the claim directly. Why bother calling the police and complicating things? However, there are exceptions, such as when the other party is unreasonable or the responsibility is unclear, like in a collision at an intersection. In such cases, calling the police can help file a case and document the facts. I once got rear-ended—just a slight bump to the trunk—and settled privately, but the other party later denied it, dragging out the insurance process for half a month. It's a good habit to move the car to the roadside immediately after an accident to avoid secondary collisions—safety first. Also, don’t forget to check the car lights; if a headlight is broken and doesn’t work, it poses a greater risk for nighttime driving. These small details can be recorded by the police when you report the accident. In short, calling the police for minor accidents isn’t mandatory, but if you’re unsure, consulting the traffic police is the safest option.
