Do I need to tell the police?

Question

I had a small collision yesterday morning. I ran into the back of the car in front of me. Nobody was injured, and neither car suffered any noticeable damage, but we exchanged details anyway.

I have contacted my insurance company to let them know the details, but I was told today that i should let the police know. Is this necessary? What would happen if I fail to report it to them?

Thanks

What if the other driver puts in a claim for whiplash. Would this constitute injury and require police involvement?

Due to the large amount of conflicting answers this question has received, I went in my local Police station and asked.

I was told if you had exchanged details with the other driver then there is no need to report it with the police.

Answer 1

No need - you've done everything necessary.

Add: Can I just add, because of some of the rubbish on here, that the UK law say in the event of an accident you must:

1] Stop.

2] Provide your name and address, and that of the owner of the vehicle if it's not yours, and its registration mark to anyone having reasonable grounds to require them.

3] If you do not give your name and address at the time of the accident you must report to the police as soon as practicable and in any case within 24 hours. (You may be required to justify in court why you did not give the information at the time.)

4] If another person is injured and you do not produce your insurance certificate at the time to a police officer or anyone having reasonable grounds to request it you must report the accident to the police as soon as possible and in any case within 24 hours, and produce your insurance certificate to the police within 7 days.

RTA 1988 SECT 170

Answer 2

The police don't need to know about minor prangs.
Only if the courts needed to be involved would you tell them, for instance, if you knock someone's wing mirror off and you agree fault, swap details and pootle off, then no police needed. However, if you have a more serious collision involving damage to people or cars written off and lying in the road, then the police will need to be informed (in fact, would proably turn up anyway, they did when it happened to me!) in case it needs to go to court.

If no policeman has asked to see your licence and all is happy between the two parties involved, then don't bother, it's just a prang.

Once you start involving anyone other than the insurance companies, it could get tricky - especially with things like claims for whiplash - even so, I think it's a matter for you, not the police.

Basically - the police will only need to be involved if there could be a criminal court case 'Jo Bloggs vs the Crown' rather than a civil one 'Jo bloggs vs John Smith'.

Check it out with a local legal aid group or your Citizen's Advice Bureau, or even your insurance company if you're worried.

Answer 3

No Injuries, details exchanged including insurance details, you were insured and legal, then no need to involve police. If other driver not insured then you ought to inform. HOWEVER if you contact police you are giving them the evidence to charge YOU with driving without due care and attention.Only issue is If the other vehicle turns out to have had two dozen passengers, all of whom are claiming for whiplash injury!!

Answer 4

technically you are required to report any traffic accident within 24 hours if not done immediately. In practise the police will take no interested unless an injury is reported or they believe that an offence may have been committed.
As an accident investigator it can happen that someone involved in an RTA can only become aware after time that they may be injured. Whip lash is common one and then we move into the realm of injury claims. One of the first questions I will ask is was it reported to the Police if not why not.
So in Short report it and cover your self

Answer 5

Some insurance companies require a police report to be filed, but in the state I live you don't need to give a police report if the damage to the vehicle(s) is less than $1500. But its better to have that police report just to be on the safe side. Protects both of the parties involved and makes the insurance company's job easier, and also shows you aren't trying to hide any information.

Answer 6

I had a similair accident last year and while waiting for the recovery truck to come a Police car was passing and stopped. It happened to be a senior traffic officer who was training two new officers. He told me that as there were no injuries the Police did not need to be involved unless either party wanted them to be.
I actually thought it was just illegal to leave the scene of an accident without providing your contact details.
Any way, you have done all you need to do.

Answer 7

Because you were involved in a Road Traffic Accident, despite the fact that nobody was injured, you sill need to report this to the police. All this involves is going to your local station telling them at the desk what you are reporting and filing in a short form. You might not even need to see a "real" police officer but you will need your drivers licence, insurance and M.O.T for your car. Failure to report the accident is in itself a criminal offence and if the other person does it before you do you'll get a visit your self from the police

Answer 8

these days if you have any road collision including a 3rd party or not. Under section 68 of the road traffic act is HAS to be reported no later than 3 days after the accident.
so get there now and tell them nothing will happen just alot of questions will asked and details will be collected

all the best

Answer 9

The police won't be interested if there was no-one injured. I've had this happen myself, but it is best to go to your local police station with your documents and report it anyway. They will check you documents as normal and record the incident, which will clarify any further actions of the other driver.

Answer 10

You only need to inform them if it is an injury RTA. The other driver will probably put in a claim whether they actually have suffered whiplash or not , once they have had a few days to consider it.