Do I need to notify my insurance of a police-reported accident?

Hi! A few days ago someone rear-ended me and resulted in just a paint scratch in my back bumper. The cop said that a police report would not be necessary because the damages were less than $1,000. He said that it would just be a civil case between me and the guy, and to just get his information and insurance. So I went to ask the guy for is insurance, and he told me he didn't have it with him. So the police officer asked him for it, and it turns out that he didn't have insurance at all.

My question is, will I be penalized for not reporting this accident to my insurance? Will they have any knowledge of it because there was a police report for it? And lastly, will this accident be on my driving record (i don't think it will, but I just want to make sure) Thanks in advance!
Additional Details
***I forgot to mention that the office did have to file a police report because the guy didn't have insurance. Thanks for all of the GREAT responses! They're all really helpful!

hmark

If he didn't have insurance, then the repair of your car would depend on whether or not you want to go through your insurance company. If you don't want your insurance company and are not sure if this will affect your ins premiums to come, you can pay for it out of your own pocket and not inform your insurance. Having the police report does not automatically notify your insurance. You are the only person that would contact the ins co or if you gave the information to the other driver. He would normally have his ins co contact yours and vice versa.

If the accident was not reported to your ins co, then they would not necessarily know. I hope this helps.

You do not have to report it to your insurance unless you make a claim for damages, under your collision coverage. If you do, you still must pay the deductible portion, which may not be worth the difference, resulting in an increase in your insurance premium.
Will not appear on your driving record.
I had the bumper repainted on my car. It cost about $300.00. My deductible is $500.00, no insurance claim.

Uncle Red

OK do you want it repaired?
.... you will need to take him to court. Get some estimates and get it repaired yourself.
If you have uninsured motorists insurance your insurance company will cover it. You will need to decide if the cost of repairs is worth getting your insurance company involved...as you probably have a $500 or $1000 deductible
If not, file a civil suit against the guy to recoup the cost of repairs and your lost time getting this repaired. but be ready as the process is long and if the other guy doesn't show to court then you win but then try to get the money, You will have to put put a warrant for his arrest through the courts and that takes a while. but first go get an estimate and call the guy and ask him to pay, if he says no then take him to JUDGE JUDY!!!

oklatom

What if the person who hit you decides to contact your insurance and claim he was parked, and you backed into him? His word against yours now, no police report to turn to.

Yes, do contact your insurance for just that reason. Also they may be able to assist you in collecting what is due to you for your damages.

http://www.bankrate.com:80/dls/news/insurance/20070713_car_insurance_claim_1.asp?prodtype=insur

have a read there for more.

namrepus

I think it is necessary to inform your car insurance provider so that proper actions will be made. You can try to visit car insurance companies for some additional information. You can park to this cheap car insurance site http://www.nightbirdssolutions.com for your reference and additional information.

mbrcatz

No. Unless you're ALSO filing a claim, you do not need to report this.

Likely it will not show up on your driving record, as both cars were drivable and you were not cited, but your agent can tell you for sure - it MIGHT be state specific.

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