What happens if you submit two different versions?

When two parties submit two different versions of the same traffic accident, it does not automatically mean that someone “wins” or that the case will be dismissed. What happens in practice is that the insurance company receives an incomplete and conflicting basis, and has to spend more time investigating: Who had the right of way? Which injuries fit the sequence of events? Are there objective evidence?

In 2026, digital damage reports have become standard for many, but the assessment itself remains the same: The company must have a probable explanation supported by documentation. Below, we explain what typically happens next, and what you should do to protect yourself – without making the process more cumbersome than necessary.

Why two versions create problems

A damage report is primarily a factual basis for the damage settlement. When you describe the incident differently (for example, about who reversed, who changed lanes, or whether the car was stationary), it creates what often becomes a word-against-word scenario. In such cases, the company cannot easily determine liability, and will normally:

• request more information from both parties
• compare the explanations with injuries, photos, and sketches
• assess if there are witnesses or other documentation

What the insurance company usually does

1) Gathers additional information

You may be contacted to elaborate, correct, or answer specific questions. The company may also request:

• more photos (damages, car placement, road markings, signs, visibility conditions)
• dashcam video or footage from surveillance where relevant
• witness information (name, phone number, brief explanation)
• workshop findings that support the damage description (direction of scratches, height, imprints)

2) Assesses liability according to traffic rules and evidence

The company assesses liability based on explanations and documentation, and against traffic rules (such as right of way and lane changes). When the evidence picture is unclear, the outcome may be:

• clear liability for one party (if the documentation clearly points one way)
• shared liability (for example, 50/50 or some other distribution)
• no basis for determination (less common, but can occur in very unclear cases)

Remember that terms and practices may vary between insurance companies, and the assessment is based on the overall situation.

3) May involve the police – but they often do not

The police typically do not get involved in “normal” parking dents or minor collisions without personal injury, but in cases of personal injury, suspicion of substance abuse, aggressive situations, or other serious matters, it may be appropriate to contact the police. The police also have information on how to report and what services are available: Police – report to the police.

Consequences for you: time, deductible, and bonus

Longer processing time

Two different versions mean more investigation. In practice, this can cause delays in:

• approval of repairs
• payment for damages
• clarification of rental car or transport (if this is part of the coverage)

Deductible and bonus loss can become an issue

Whether you have to pay a deductible and whether you incur bonus loss depends on what the company concludes about liability and which coverage is used (liability, comprehensive/partial coverage, etc.). In cases of shared liability, both parties may incur costs on their insurance in some instances. Check the terms with your company – and be clear in communication that you wish to have the case assessed on the best possible documentation basis.

This is how you avoid “two versions” in practice

Fill out together, where possible

The easiest way to avoid submitting two incompatible stories is to create one joint damage report where you agree on the facts (time, place, registration number, damages, sketch) – and point out disagreements where you actually disagree. On Skademeldinger.no, the point is precisely that you can fill out together with the other party and sign digitally, so that both end up with the same version and it is ready for the insurance company.

Take pictures before you move vehicles (when it is safe)

If the situation allows it, take pictures of:

• the cars as they are (distance, angle, lane)
• damages on both cars
• road markings, signs, intersections, and visibility

Prioritize safety first, and move vehicles if they create dangerous situations.

Be precise: facts first, interpretation afterwards

Write what you actually know: “I was stationary,” “I reversed out from a parking space,” “the other party came from the right.” Avoid definitive conclusions that you cannot substantiate (“he was driving way too fast”) if there is no basis.

If you have already submitted two different versions

Then the case is not closed. Do this as quickly as possible:

• Submit supplementary documentation (photos, videos, witnesses) to your company.
• Correct obvious errors in writing (wrong time, wrong street, wrong sketch) and explain briefly why.
• Stick to one explanation moving forward – frequent changes can weaken credibility.
• Ask to see what has been registered in the case if you are unsure what was submitted.

Summary

Two different damage reports usually mean that the insurance company has to investigate more before they can determine liability. The result can be longer processing time and in some cases shared liability, which in turn can affect deductible and bonus – depending on terms. The most effective way to avoid this is to ensure good documentation and, when possible, fill out and sign a joint damage report together with the other party, so that both parties adhere to the same basis.

Note: Advice and procedures may vary between insurance companies and situations. In cases of personal injury, threatening situations or suspicion of substance abuse – contact the police.

Sources

• Police – report to the police
• Tryg – damage and damage report