How to fill out a digital damage report when the other party refuses to sign

When you have been involved in a traffic accident or a collision in a parking lot, it is common to fill out a damage report together. But in 2026, there are still many people who find that the other party refuses to sign – because they disagree about fault, are stressed, or simply want to “wait and see.” Fortunately, you can still report the damage correctly, and the insurance company can handle the case based on documentation and explanations from both parties.

Below you will find a practical recipe for what to do – and how a digital solution like Skademeldinger.no can assist you with joint filling, clear version sharing, and digital signing when (and if) the other party changes their mind.

First step after the accident: safety and calm

Always start by securing the scene and taking care of people before paperwork.

• Stop and secure: Turn on hazard lights, wear a reflective vest, and place a warning triangle if necessary.
• Check for injuries: If there are concerns about personal injuries, call 113.
• In dangerous situations: Call 112 for urgent help.

The Norwegian Public Roads Administration has an overview of what to do in traffic accidents and how to secure the scene: Norwegian Public Roads Administration.

When the other party refuses to sign: what it means (and what it does not mean)

A signature on the damage report is practically a confirmation that the information has been read and reproduced as the parties perceive the incident – not necessarily a “confession.” Many misunderstand this and therefore refuse to sign.

Important: You still have the right and obligation to report the damage to your insurance company. The company will often directly seek the other party's explanation and assess liability based on the whole (explanations, damage direction, photos, witnesses, etc.).

Documentation that weighs heavy when the signature is missing

When you can't reach an agreement there and then, your documentation is extra important. Spend 5–10 minutes on this if it is safe:

• Photos: Take overview photos of the entire situation, close-ups of damages, license plates, road markings, intersections, and any traces on the ground.
• Video: A calm 360° video can show placements better than individual photos.
• Sketch: Draw in driving directions, lanes, right-of-way, parking routes, and collision points.
• Witnesses: Note names and phone numbers. Ask the witness to send a short text message with what they observed.
• Information from the other party: Registration number, name, phone, insurance company (if they wish to provide), time and place.

How to fill out a digital damage report – step by step

1) Fill out your part as completely and accurately as possible

Do not leave empty fields “because the other party refuses.” Write what you know and stick to the facts: speed (approximate), weather/road conditions, visibility, where you came from and where you were going, and what happened in order.

2) Describe the disagreement briefly and factually

Include a sentence like: “The other party did not want to sign at the scene. We disagree on the right-of-way situation.” Avoid speculating about motives.

3) Invite the other party to joint filling and signing afterwards

With Skademeldinger.no, you can fill out the damage report together on mobile, share the same version, and sign digitally. If the other party does not want to sign then and there, you can still create the damage report, include your explanation, and send a link to the other party so they can read, correct their part, and sign later. This makes it easier to get one consolidated damage report ready for submission.

When should you contact the police?

The police should normally be contacted in the event of personal injury, suspicion of intoxication, aggressive behavior/threats, or if the other party leaves the scene. If you are unsure, you can find updated information and contact points at The Police.

How to submit to the insurance company (and what to expect)

Send the damage report to your company as soon as possible, along with photos and any witness information. Most companies have digital solutions, and many also accept that the damage report is not signed by both parties, as long as the information is sufficient.

Conditions vary between companies, but generally the company will:

• register the case and request documentation
• contact the other party/their company for an explanation
• assess liability and coverage based on traffic rules, damage assessments, and evidence

For general industry information on insurance and claims, you can visit Finance Norway, and for practical advice for drivers, you can read at NAF.

Finance: deductible, bonus, and rental car

What you pay yourself, and whether your bonus is affected, depends on liability conditions and which coverage you use (liability, partial coverage, full coverage). Many associate “missing signature” with automatic bonus loss, but this is not true – it is the liability decision and conditions that govern.

• Deductible: Is normally paid on full/partial coverage claims according to terms.
• Bonus: Can be affected by compensation on your own coverage, but practice and protections vary.
• Rental car: Depends on coverage and whether the car needs to go to the workshop; ask the company early.

Tip: Ask for written clarification from the insurance company on what applies in your case, especially if liability is disputed.

Checklist: what to do when the other party refuses to sign

• Document: Photos, video, sketch, witnesses.
• Note facts: Time, place, registration number, contact info.
• Fill out a digital damage report: Write factually, and explain that the signature is missing.
• Share with the other party: Send a link for review and possible digital signing afterwards.
• Submit quickly: To your insurance company, with attachments.

That's why many choose Skademeldinger.no in 2026

When accidents happen, it's about getting one clear and complete report. Skademeldinger.no is made for situations where you want to do it right – quickly: you can fill out together, get a common version, sign digitally, and share the documentation in a way that is neat and ready for the insurance company. And if the other party does not want to sign right away, you can still get started and make the rest of the job easier for all parties.

Remember: Always prioritize safety first, keep communication calm, and let facts and documentation speak for themselves.