What happens if you submit two different versions?

When two parties submit their own injury report with different explanations (or you fill out together but alter your individual copies afterward), the insurance company ends up in a classic "word against word" scenario. This does not automatically mean that someone "loses," but it almost always leads to more processing, more questions, and greater demands for documentation. In 2026, many companies handle claims quickly digitally – but disagreement is still what stops the flow.

Why do two versions become a problem?

The insurance company must determine liability (who violated the right of way, who reversed, who changed lanes, etc.) and causality (does the damage match the sequence of events). When the explanations diverge, they cannot simply base their decision on one of them.

Then the company typically:

• asks for additional information from both parties (often several rounds),
• assesses photos, sketches, timelines, witnesses, and any video recordings,
• obtains estimates/shop evaluations to see if the damage matches,
• in some cases, retrieves information from public authorities where relevant (e.g., police report if a case is opened).

What can the outcome be when you disagree?

1) The company concludes one party is responsible

If the documentation is clear (for example, a clear photo of the direction of damage, witness, or that a sketch/positioning shows violation of the right of way), the company can assign responsibility to one party.

2) Shared responsibility (settlement solution)

In "word against word" cases, the outcome may be partial liability (for example, 50/50). This is not a "penalty," but a practical solution when the evidence is not strong enough. The economic implications depend on the coverage and terms in your company.

3) More time – and possible consequences for bonus/excess

Bonus loss and excess are governed by your insurance terms, which vary between companies. Many companies describe that liability and type of coverage affect whether and how the bonus changes. Finance Norway has overarching information about car insurance and claims settlement that may be useful to read: Finance Norway. Always check your company's terms for what applies in your situation.

4) Suspicions of incorrect information

If one of the forms contains information that does not align with the damage assessment or other facts, the company may ask stricter questions. Insurance fraud is serious and can have consequences beyond the settlement itself. The point here is not to scare but to emphasize that it is important to be accurate and consistent.

This is what the claims handler looks for (and what you should ensure)

No matter who is "right," it is often the details that matter:

• Time and place: exact address/street name, direction of travel, and time.
• Sketch: files, right of way, positioning before/after the collision, and which lanes you were in.
• Damage point: where on the car is the impact, and at what height/direction.
• Photos: overview pictures, close-ups, road markings, signs, intersections, and visibility conditions.
• Witnesses: names and phone numbers (ask them to briefly write what they observed).

NAF has practical advice on what you should do in case of a traffic accident and which information is beneficial to collect: NAF.

When should the police be contacted?

As a rule, purely material damages are handled between insurance companies, but there are situations where it is appropriate to contact the police (for example, personal injury, suspicion of alcohol use, dangerous situations, disagreement about identity, or if someone leaves the scene). The police describe how and when you should contact them on their websites: The Police. In case of danger to life and health, always call 112.

This is how to avoid two different versions in practice

Fill out together – and lock in common facts

The most important thing you can do is to agree on the objective: time, place, which cars, drivers, registration numbers, weather/road conditions, and a sketch that both can actually stand by. Disagreement about fault can be noted as a comment, but you should agree on what happened physically.

With Skademeldinger.no you can fill out the damage report together with the other party, receive a common version, and sign digitally right then and there. This reduces the risk that two different forms with small (but crucial) deviations end up with the insurance company and makes it easier to pass the case on “clear to the insurance company.”

Do not "improve" the story afterward

It is tempting to rewrite formulations once you have calmed down. But changes that make the story differ from the other party's, quickly create doubt. If you discover an error (for example, wrong registration number or time), correct it openly and consistently – and explain what was wrong and why.

If you have already submitted two different versions

The course of action is not over. Do this:

• Submit additional information quickly: photos, witnesses, dashcam, and clarification of actual conditions.
• Be specific: use bullet points, timelines and point out what is disputed and what you agree on.
• Stick to observable facts: "I was stationary" is better than "he was negligent".
• Request to attach an updated common sketch if you manage to agree afterward.

Summary

Two different damage reports almost always create extra work for the insurance company and increase the risk of delays or partial liability. The best "insurance" against this is to document well at the scene and ensure that what you submit is consistent. A joint, digitally signed damage report – with the same sketch and the same facts for both parties – makes the process smoother for everyone and provides the claims handler with a much better basis for quick settlement.

Sources: Norwegian Public Roads Administration, The Police, Finance Norway, NAF. Information is general and updated as of 2025; terms and practices may vary between insurance companies.