Who should report car damage?

When an accident happens, the same question often arises: Who is actually supposed to report the damage? The answer is usually straightforward, but there are some important exceptions – especially when there are multiple parties involved, the car is borrowed, or the perpetrator is unknown. Below, you will find a practical overview of what applies in 2026 and what you should do to avoid delays, reductions, or unnecessary disputes afterward.

The Basic Rule: Report to Your Own Insurance Company

In Norway, the common practice is to report the damage to your own insurance company. This applies whether:

• you are at fault,
• you believe the other party is at fault, and
• the responsibility is unclear at the time.

The reason is simple: Your company handles the case, gathers information, and if the other party is responsible, can claim compensation from their insurer. This is called recourse and is common in damage processing. Conditions, deductibles, and possible bonus effects vary between companies, so you should always check your insurance terms.

Who "owns" the damage report: the driver or the car owner?

If you drove the car

It is often the driver who has the best overview of the incident (what happened, speed, turning lane, right of way, etc.) and is typically the one who fills out the damage report. However, the damage is practically reported under the insurance agreement – that is, on the car/insurance registered in the name of the owner.

If the car is borrowed (from family, friends, colleagues)

Then you should do this together:

• The driver describes the sequence of events as accurately as possible.
• The car owner/insured follows up the communication with the company (since the agreement is in their name).

To avoid misunderstandings, it’s smart to write the damage report while you are still "fresh" on what happened.

When there are two parties: Both should contribute – and both should sign

In the case of a collision or other damage between two vehicles, it is usually best (and fastest) to fill out the damage report together. This reduces the risk of the parties submitting different versions, making it easier for insurance companies to assess responsibility.

On Skademeldinger.no, you can fill out the same damage report form together, share one common version, and sign digitally – so the documentation is ready to be submitted to the insurance company without additional paperwork.

This should always be included

• Names, phone numbers, and registration numbers of both vehicles
• Insurance company and policy number (if available)
• Date and place, as well as a sketch of the situation
• Pictures of damages, road markings, signage, and surroundings
• Any witnesses (names and numbers)

Exceptions and special situations

1) Hit and run by an unknown perpetrator

If the perpetrator is unknown, you generally need to report the damage to your own company. If you have comprehensive/partial coverage, the damage may be covered there (depending on the type of damage and terms). In many cases, the company will also request that you report the matter, especially if criminal action is suspected.

2) Theft of a car or attempted theft

In the case of theft, you should typically:

• Report to the police as soon as possible, and
• report the damage to the insurance company.

The police have specific advice regarding vehicle theft and what you should do afterward: Police – vehicle theft. (The insurance company will often ask for a case number/receipt for the police report.)

3) Vandalism, burglary in the car or damage to a parked car

In cases of burglary and vandalism, it is common for the insurance company to require or strongly recommend a police report. Check your terms. For example, the police can provide general advice about car theft and handling: Police – car theft.

4) Personal injury

If someone is injured, call 113 if needed and ensure safety at the scene. In addition to the damage report to insurance, a police report may be relevant in serious incidents. If you are unsure about the obligation to notify the police, contact them at 02800.

What if I was not at fault for the damage – do I still need to report?

Yes, it is often wise to report quickly regardless. "Waiting and seeing" can make it harder to document the incident and can delay repairs, rental cars, or compensation. The insurance company may also have deadlines or expectations for quick reporting, even if the question of fault has not been clarified at that moment.

Practical checklist at the accident scene

• Secure the scene (warning triangle, reflective vest) and take care of your own safety.
• Take pictures before the cars are moved, if it is safe and does not obstruct traffic.
• Exchange contact and insurance information with the other party.
• Fill out the damage report at the scene, and have both parties sign it.
• Report to the insurance company as soon as possible.

Make it easier with Skademeldinger.no

When both parties agree to cooperate, you save a lot of time by having one common damage report instead of two different explanations. With Skademeldinger.no, you can:

• fill out the damage report together, on mobile
• share the same version with the other party
• sign digitally
• end up with a document that is tidy and ready to be sent to the insurance company

This removes much of the "follow-up work" and makes it easier to document what you actually agreed upon at the scene.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I report damage if I am not the owner of the car?

Yes, you can often assist or submit information as the driver, but compensation is normally handled under the car owner's/insured's agreement. The safest option is for the car owner and driver to collaborate on the report.

What if the other party refuses to sign?

Then you should still report to your own insurance company, include pictures, witnesses, and a clear explanation. Note the other party's information and registration number. Do not argue at the scene – document.

Does this affect the bonus and deductible?

It depends on who is held responsible, what coverage you have, and the company's terms. In liability claims (liability insurance), it is typically the perpetrator who is "charged," while comprehensive claims often have deductibles and can affect bonuses. Always check your terms – they can vary significantly between companies.

Summary: In most cases, the answer is that you report the damage to your own insurance company, but make sure to fill out the damage report correctly – preferably together with the other party – and file a report with the police when it involves theft, vandalism, or an unknown perpetrator.