Do you need a police report to file an insurance claim for theft?
Asked by: Gianni Becker | Last update: October 27, 2025Score: 5/5 (53 votes)
Is a police report necessary for an insurance claim?
Police reports are helpful tools for documenting an accident and establishing fault. However, even though insurance companies consider police reports important when investigating a claim, they are not required in California. You can still file and succeed on an insurance claim without a police report.
Do I need to file a police report for theft?
Whether it's a valuable item or something of sentimental value, the first course of action is to file a police report. Doing so not only increases the chances of recovering your belongings but also creates an official record of the theft, which may be required for insurance claims or other legal purposes.
Can I file a claim with no police report?
In California, you do not necessarily need a police report to file an insurance claim after an accident. You can still initiate the insurance claims process without a police report, especially for minor accidents.
How does a theft insurance claim work?
In an inspection, a field adjuster will come to your home to assess any physical damage. When your claim is settled, you can expect to be reimbursed for your lost or damaged property as covered in your policy, minus your deductible, and any applicable depreciation.
Can You File An Insurance Claim Without A Police Report? - CountyOffice.org
Can insurance deny a claim for theft?
All insurance policies have limits on how much they will pay out if you need to file a claim for an accident or a stolen vehicle. If your claim is higher than the coverage limit you purchased, then your claim could be partially denied.
How much does insurance pay for stolen items?
Personal property coverage will pay for the repair or replacement of the stolen item, up to the limit of your policy, minus your deductible. For example, if you have a $1,000 deductible and your laptop is worth $2,000, you would receive a check for $1,000 from your insurer.
Can someone sue me without a police report?
The lack of a police report does not eliminate the legal process of pursuing a car accident lawsuit. Though a police report can expedite the process, it is not required. Police reports do hold merit; this is true. Police reports provide a source of credibility which can strengthen the plaintiff's claims.
Can I file an insurance claim if I hit something?
Hitting an Object Lying in the Road
To make a collision claim, you need to have opted for collision coverage before experiencing your accident. Collision coverage is optional, and if you opted for state-minimum coverage, you might not have collision coverage. Expect to pay a deductible when filing a collision claim.
Can you file an insurance claim with just a license plate number?
Insurance companies often require more than just a license plate number to process a claim. They may need the other driver's name, contact information, and insurance details. Without this information, there can be significant delays in your claim.
Should I file a police report for a stolen package?
Yes, reporting package theft establishes an official record that can provide multiple benefits, including insurance reimbursement documentation and possible return of stolen goods.
Will I be notified if a police report is filed against me?
No, you are not notified. If you believe one was filed, you can do a local background check at the police department in question to see if any reports have been filed against you.
What happens after you file a police report for identity theft?
What Happens When You File a Police Report for Identity Theft? After you make a report, it's possible your local law enforcement agency will investigate your case. They might pursue and prosecute the thief, bringing them to justice.
What happens if you don't file an insurance claim?
If you fail to report a car accident and another party later makes a claim against your insurance for compensation, your insurance company could say that you never reported an accident and refuse to make good on your coverage. Then, you would have to pay out of pocket.
Will insurance companies call the police?
Insurance companies have a dedicated special investigation unit to look for fraudulent claims attempting to collect on damages that never occurred or inflate minor damages and treatment expenses. When fraud is strongly suspected, an insurance company can reach out to the police and start a criminal fraud investigation.
Do I call my insurance if I'm not at fault?
Yes. Regardless of fault, it is important to call your insurance company and report any accident that involves injuries or property damage. It is a common myth that you needn't contact your insurance company if you aren't at fault.
Do you need a police report to file an insurance claim hit and run?
While a police report helps speed up the claims process, it won't prevent the claim from being processed. You must exchange identification information with the other driver in a car accident. Failure to identify yourself is a misdemeanor hit and run in California.
Should I file a claim if I'm not at fault?
Always File a Claim, Regardless of Who Was At-Fault
One of the primary questions we receive from clients who have been in an accident is whether they should report the accident to their own auto insurance carrier, particularly when the accident was not their fault. And the answer to that question is: always.
Can someone sue you without telling you?
Answer. You must be served with a Summons and a copy of whatever Complaint or Petition that was filed against you. Until then, you don't have to go to court, and no judgment can be entered against you. But, caution: You can be served without knowing about it.
Can you sue police for not coming?
Since the police have no duty to protect you, you have no claim against them for failing to show up when you call. However, even if you can't sue the police for your injury, you may be able to sue your attacker in civil court. An experienced litigation attorney will be able to help.
How does insurance cover theft?
Stolen vehicles are protected by comprehensive coverage
If someone steals your vehicle and it's not recovered, your insurer will cut you a check for your car's current value if you have comprehensive coverage.
What to do if someone steals things from your car?
Can you report a car stolen if the person is on the insurance?
ANSWER: The answer to your question is yes. If the vehicle is titled in a person's name, no matter whether they make the payments or not, they can report the vehicle as stolen. I hope this information helps you. Please let me know if you have any other questions or need further clarification.