If someone just rear-ended my car and there was only a scratch on my car, should I call my insurance company to file a report but not a claim?

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If someone just rear-ended my car and there was only a scratch on my car, should I call my insurance company to file a report but not a claim?

I took a picture of license plate and his driver license but didn’t get his insurance information. I told him I will let it go since I only saw a light scratch on my bumper. He didn’t get any of my information and left. I’m not sure if there other person will file a claim or not.

Asked on June 22, 2015 under Accident Law, California

Answers:

S.L,. Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 8 years ago | Contributor

If you were to file a claim, the claim would be filed with the at-fault party's insurance carrier.  Since the damage was only a scratch and you decided to "let it go", you don't need to do anything.  It would not serve any purpose to report it to your insurance company.  The other driver won't file a claim because he was at fault in the accident and does not have your insurance or any other information.


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