Do I have to call the police after a road accident?
You must call the police if the accident caused personal injury (e.g. injuries) or major material damage.
In the case of minor damage, for example small scratches on the car, they are not obligedto involve the police. But it could still be a good idea.
In this guide, we explain when you should get the police on board and when your accident can exceptionally be handled without the law enforcement officers. This way you can prevent disputes later on.
Better to go to the police: report the road accident and don't risk a dispute with the insurance company.
- Accident without police: In the event of minor damage to the vehicle, you may refrain from reporting the accident to the police. However, bear in mind that you may have obligations towards your insurance company and are obliged to inform the police even in the case of minor damage.
- When to call the police must: You must inform the officers if the accident resulted in personal injury or major material damage.
- When to call the police should: If you suspect that one of the drivers has consumed alcohol or drugs before driving, you should report the accident to the police. You should also call the police if there is a dispute about who is responsible for the accident, if the other driver's vehicle is from a non-EU country or if you suspect that the accident was provoked.
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Accident with minor material damage
Many accidents involve minor matters and are therefore so-called minor accidents. In general, claims may be settled without the police if the damage to the vehicle is not significant. This could be a scratch on the paintwork when pulling out of a parking space or a dent caused by careless driving.
Note: Minor damage is damage that amounts to a small sum in the case of property damage. As a guideline value for insignificant property damage, some courts give a Amount of damage up to EUR 1,300 on. However, it can be different for each court. Personal injury excludes a minor accident.
For you, this means that after a minor accident, you can handle the accident without the police and report it yourself. Accident report and a Accident sketch prepare. This can be the European Accident Report, for example. You and the other party involved in the accident should complete and sign this form twice.
IMPORTANT:
Never sign an acknowledgement of fault at the scene of an accident! Texts formulated by the other party in the accident such as "...I confirm that I am solely at fault..." please get never Your signature.
Of course, you can also call the police to the scene of the accident in the event of minor damage. If you decide to contact the police, you may have to be prepared for longer waiting times.
When should the police be called?
However, there are some situations in which you must inform the police or should do so in your favour. We have put together a brief overview for you:
- Was the accident one person injured? If so, you must inform the police. It doesn't matter whether you, the other driver or a person not directly involved in the accident was injured.
- Do you have the impression that the other party in the accident provoked the accident has? If so, you should contact the authorities immediately, even in the case of minor damage. The officers can then document everything and interview witnesses.
- Are there any differences of opinion regarding who is at fault for the accident? The other party in the accident refuses to hand over their data? If so, we advise you to report the accident to the police.
- Do you suspect that the other party involved in the accident Alcoholised has travelled or drugs has consumed? If you notice anything strange about the other party's behaviour, we advise you to call the police immediately.
- The opposing licence plate number is no EU licence plate and the driver has no proof of insurance? If the other party involved in the accident from a non-EU country is not carrying a so-called green card, it is advisable to have the police document the accident.
- They are equipped with a Rental car Accidental? In this case, you must ALWAYS call the police, even if there is apparently no recognisable damage. If you don't do this, trouble is inevitable. Some landlords refuse insurance cover for this case in their general terms and conditions.
How you benefit from the police damage report
The police accident report is often very useful for your claims settlement. You are on the safe side both for the compensation payment or a possible court hearing. The damage report makes it easier for you to settle the claim.
CautionIf you have an accident without the police, there is no official accident report. Insurance companies often refuse to take action if you document an accident on your own. With an official accident report, the course of the accident can be confirmed in detail and professionally. The positive consequence for you: The claim for damages can be sufficiently substantiated and any reductions in benefits by the opposing insurance company can be better countered. In the case of minor damage, however, the European accident report you fill out is usually sufficient.
Theft, fire or game damage?
Caution is advised here. You will often find a clause in the conditions of your comprehensive insurance that obliges you to notify the police immediately in the event of theft, fire or damage caused by game over a certain amount (often EUR 500).
Avoid hit-and-run accidents
The injured party is often not present, especially in the event of a parking collision. So that you are not guilty of what is colloquially known as hit and run, you must wait a reasonable amount of time - at least 30 minutes. If the injured party does not come to the scene of the accident within this time, you must report the incident to the police. Otherwise you are committing a hit-and-run offence and this is punishable under § 124 of the Criminal Code. Therefore, make absolutely sure that your personal details can be established!
Steps towards fair claims settlement
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Contact us with just a few clicks and we will help you. Regardless of whether your accident involves the police or not. The fairforce.one network will enforce your claims and assist you personally in all matters right through to full payment.
This is exactly why we founded fairforce.one. And that's exactly what has made us Germany's road accident settlement portal with the best customer ratings.
Frequently asked questions about accidents without the police
When do I have to call the police after a road accident?
The police must always be called if people have been injured in an accident or if there has been major damage to property. It also makes sense to call the police if there is a suspicion of alcohol or drug influence, if an accident has been provoked or if there is a dispute about who is at fault.
Can I settle a minor accident without the police?
Yes, in the case of minor damage - so-called minor accidents - you can document the accident yourself, e.g. using the European Accident Report. Make sure that you do not sign any acknowledgements of fault and that you make a correct note of the other party's details.
What counts as minor damage?
Minor damage is generally defined as damage of less than around 1,300 euros - for example, a scratch or a small dent. However, as soon as people are injured, it is no longer a minor accident and the police must be informed.
What is the point of a police accident report?
An official report from the police can be very helpful later when settling the claim. It documents the course of the accident neutrally and professionally - this can avoid disputes with the insurance company and safeguard your claims.
When should I call the police, even for minor damage?
If the other party involved in the accident does not have an EU licence plate, refuses to identify themselves, appears drunk or is suspected of having caused the accident, it is better to call the police - even if the damage is minor. The police should also always be contacted if you hire a car.
What do I have to do in the event of a parking accident if the injured party is not there?
In this case, you must wait at least 30 minutes at the scene of the accident. If the injured party does not return, you are obliged to inform the police. Otherwise you will be liable to prosecution for hit and run - even in the case of minor damage.
Are there special cases where I always have to call the police?
Yes, in the event of fire, wildlife or theft damage, many comprehensive insurance policies require a police report - usually from a damage amount of 500 euros. Be sure to check your policy conditions.
