Must I fill out the accident report immediately?

When a crash occurs at an intersection or you discover a dent in the parking lot, the question quickly arises: Must I fill out the accident report immediately? The short answer is that you rarely have a "minute deadline", but it almost always pays off to do it as soon as possible. The reason is simple: details disappear, witnesses move on, and damages may look different after the car has been parked for a few days.

When should you fill out the accident report?

The main rule: Fill out the accident report as soon as it is safe, and preferably on the spot – while both parties are present and you agree on the facts (time, place, lane, damages, and contact information). Many insurance companies state in their terms that the claim should be reported "without undue delay", and there is a practical expectation that you do not wait unnecessarily long.

The exception: when safety and health come first

If there is personal injury, a risk of new accidents, or an unclear situation in traffic, you should prioritize securing the scene and taking care of health. The police's advice on traffic safety and what to do at the accident scene can be found at The Police.

Must the police be contacted before you fill out?

Not for all minor damages. But the police should be contacted immediately if:

• someone is injured (even if it seems "minor" at the time)
• there is suspicion of intoxication, threatening behavior, or other criminal acts
• the parties do not agree on what has happened, or someone refuses to provide identification
• the accident creates dangerous situations in traffic that require directing

For purely material damages, it is often sufficient to exchange information and report the damage to the insurance. You can find general information about vehicles, rules, and services at The Norwegian Public Roads Administration (note that specific procedures may vary with the situation).

What do you risk by waiting?

Waiting a few hours is rarely a problem. However, waiting days or weeks can make the situation more difficult – for both you and the other party.

• Poorer documentation: Details about speed, location, and damage patterns can quickly become unclear.
• Disagreement about the facts: When you do not fill it out together, you are more likely to end up with two different explanations.
• Slower case processing: Workshop booking, assessment, and possible rental car can be delayed.
• More stress: You have to "dig" up information later (photos, witnesses, time, license plate number).

For the insurance, this is about being able to assess liability and scope on a correct basis. Terms, deductibles, and potential impacts on bonuses vary between companies, so always check with your own insurance company if in doubt.

How to do it right on the spot (checklist)

1) Secure and get an overview

Stop safely, turn on hazard lights, and use a reflective vest if needed. Health and safety come first.

2) Gather facts before you move

• License plate number, name, phone, and insurance company of both parties
• Time and place (preferably with a map position)
• Photos of the cars, damages, skid marks, road markings, and signs
• Witnesses: names and phone numbers (if possible)

3) Fill out the accident report together

The most important thing is that you describe the sequence of events similarly and include a clear sketch. The accident report is not a place for lengthy discussions – but for accurate, verifiable information.

Digital accident report in 2026: easier to do it "immediately"

It used to be easy to postpone because the paper form was at home in the glove compartment or got lost. With a digital solution, you can fill it out right then and there – on each of your mobiles – and avoid typical mistakes like illegible writing or missing fields.

At Skademeldinger.no, you can fill out the same accident report together with the other party, get a joint version of the event, and sign digitally. Then you can share the accident report so that it is ready for the insurance company, without needing to photograph paper or search for attachments later.

What about minor damages and parking dents?

For minor damages, the temptation may be to “wait and see”. However, it is smart to register the incident early. Damages may turn out to be greater than they appear (e.g., broken clips, damage behind the bumper, or sensors). Early accident reporting also provides a better basis if disagreements arise later about when the damage occurred.

After filling out: what happens next?

• Contact from the insurance company: They assess liability, coverage, and further actions.
• Workshop/assessment: You may be asked to book an assessment or deliver the car to the workshop for inspection.
• Rental car: Availability and duration of rental car follow terms/liability issues and vary between companies.
• Settlement: Deductibles and any potential bonus impact depend on coverage and degree of liability (check with your company).

Conclusion

You do not always have to fill out the accident report on the second, but you should do it as early as practically possible – preferably on the spot. It provides the best documentation, fewer misunderstandings, and faster processing by the insurance company. If you are in doubt about whether the police should be contacted, prioritize safety and follow the advice at The Police.