Do you have to report an accident?

Answer 1

No. If both parties agree to exchange license and insurance information and no one is injured.

If you're not At Fault and your car is undamaged, go easy on the other driver and get on your way. Let them go get their car fixed. No need to delay your day, and harrass them with a police citation.

If you're not at fault and your car is damaged, get their license and insurance info, then see if they want to involve their insurance company yet. If not, advise them that you will get a couple of repair quotes. You can choose to have them pay the lowest repair quote if you're nice. Then collect payment and go get your car repaired.

If they want their insurance to cover your damage, get their license and insurance information, and call their insurance claims phone number on the spot to confirm coverage.

If you're at fault and their car is damaged, try to explain these options to them before they call the police.

If you're at fault and their car is undamaged, try to explain these options to them, and see if they will go easy on you. Then you can get a repair estimate on your car to see if you even need to involve your insurance company.

It's unfortunate that too many people are vindictive and lack trust, so they call the police right away if its not their fault. They should know how bad you already feel for causing the accident.

Only involve the police if there is injury, a roadway is blocked, or the drivers cannot agree to not call the police.