Should I call the police for minor accidents?

The short answer is: often no – but some situations mean you should call the police, even if the accident seems minor. In 2026, most insurance companies expect good documentation and a clear accident report, but the police are primarily a resource when it comes to safety, criminal offenses, or disagreement.

When should you call the police (even for "small" damages)?

As a rule of thumb, you should contact the police if any of the following applies:

• Personal injury (even a "slightly sore neck" can develop).
• Suspicion of intoxication or if a driver tries to flee the scene.
• Disagreement about the sequence of events or fault, or if the other party refuses to provide information.
• Dangerous situation in traffic (for example, a car is in an unsafe position, or you need traffic direction).
• Significant material damage or damage to public property (guardrails, signs, light poles).

The police describe what you should do in case of a traffic accident and when to get in touch in their advice: Police – traffic accident.

When is it normally unnecessary to call the police?

In a typical "parking dent" scenario or a light bump at low speed, where:

• no one is injured
• both parties are calm and cooperative
• there is agreement on what happened
• the cars can be moved and the scene can be secured

… it is usually sufficient to document and fill out the accident report. The most important thing is often to ensure you have a shared, consistent description and enough evidence (pictures) for the insurance company to make a decision.

First step after a minor accident: safety and flow in traffic

1) Secure the scene

Turn on hazard lights, wear a reflective vest, and use a warning triangle if needed. If it is safe and possible, move the cars so that you do not create a dangerous situation. The Norwegian Public Roads Administration has general traffic safety information and advice that is useful to know: Norwegian Public Roads Administration.

2) Check if anyone needs help

If there is any doubt about injury: call 113. A "minor" bump can cause personal injuries that are felt only later.

Documentation: this leads to fewer disputes and faster processing

Insurance settlements often stall because the documentation is too weak or the parties describe different versions. Spend 3–5 minutes to do this properly:

• Take pictures of both cars (damages, the whole car, and overview pictures of the scene).
• Photograph license plates and preferably driving licenses (if both agree).
• Note the time, place, and weather/road conditions.
• Draw a simple sketch of the situation (direction of travel, lanes, positioning).
• Gather witness information (names/numbers) if anyone saw the incident.

This also makes it easier to assess practical questions afterward, such as repair shop choice, rental car, and whether the damage should be covered by insurance.

Accident report without stress: do it together – while you are still on the scene

If you agree on the incident, it is often wise to fill out the accident report right away. With Skademeldinger.no, you can fill out the same accident report together on your phone, attach pictures, and sign digitally – so that both parties affirm the same version. Then, the accident report can easily be shared, ready for the insurance company.

Practical advantage: When the information is fresh and you sign while you agree, the risk of misunderstandings and "two different stories" later is reduced.

What about bonuses, deductibles, and whether it pays off to report?

Many hesitate to report because they are afraid of losing their bonus or deductible. There is no definitive answer here, as conditions vary between companies and coverage (liability/partial comprehensive/comprehensive), but these points are worth considering:

• Liability damage (damage you cause to others) is handled under liability insurance – here, documentation and agreement are important.
• Your own damage may require comprehensive/partial comprehensive, which can affect deductibles and bonuses.
• Minor scratches/dents can sometimes be cheaper to repair privately than to go through insurance, but always ask for an estimate first.

If you are unsure, you can still fill out the accident report and make the decision to submit to the insurance company after you have received an estimate. A tidy accident report is useful regardless.

If the other party does not cooperate

In minor accidents, conflicts typically arise when one party refuses to provide information, wants to leave the scene, or you fundamentally disagree about what happened. In that case, you should:

• take pictures of the car, signs, driver, and situation (as far as it is safe)
• try to gather witnesses
• contact the police if necessary, particularly if you experience threats or suspect intoxication

Again: see the police's own advice on traffic accidents for what it is wise to do: Police – traffic accident.

Checklist: “Minor accident” in 5 minutes

• Secure the scene and move cars if possible.
• Check for personal injury – call 113 if in doubt.
• Consider contacting the police for damages, disagreement, intoxication, or danger.
• Exchange information (name, number, car, insurance).
• Take pictures and note details.
• Fill out and sign the accident report – preferably together digitally.

In summary

In minor accidents, it is often unnecessary to call the police as long as no one is injured, the situation is safe, and you are in agreement. But if there is personal injury, suspicion of intoxication, disagreement, or risk in traffic, the police are the right authority. Regardless of the scenario: good documentation and a shared accident report makes the process with the insurance company easier.

Note: Insurance terms, deductibles, and bonus rules can vary between companies and products. Always check your terms or contact your insurance company if in doubt.