Must I report a minor crash to police and my insurer?

Transport Department says a driver must stop or remain stationary where an accident involves personal injury or damage to another person’s vehicle, property or animal. Give your name and address, the owner’s name and address and the vehicle registration number to police or a person with reasonable grounds to request them. Calling the damage minor does not remove these steps. [C1]

If personal injury is involved, or you fail to give the required particulars in a damage-only accident involving another person’s vehicle, property or animal, report in person to a police officer or the nearest police station as soon as reasonably practicable, no later than 24 hours afterwards, unless injury makes you incapable. Obtain legal advice if the duty or exception is disputed; do not assume a private agreement resolves it. [C1]

The Code says reporting is unnecessary for slight damage to vehicles or property without personal injury unless police assistance is needed. Read this alongside the particulars-exchange requirement. After discussion with the other drivers and third party, vehicles may be moved to a nearby safe roadside place to avoid obstruction in that limited situation. Injury, serious damage and tunnel accidents have separate restrictions; do not apply this limited guidance to them. [C1]

The Government relays IA’s encouragement to report all known traffic-related accidents as soon as practicable. It also relays HKFI’s reminder to notify the insurer immediately on receiving a traffic summons or notice of a police-reported case, even if fault is denied or damage appears minor. Check your policy’s notification method and requirements; no universal contractual deadline is set here. [C2]

Forward it to your insurer promptly and give an accurate account of what you knew and when. The Government says notification requirements should be reasonable and practicable and that insurers should consider circumstances where someone was objectively and reasonably unaware of an accident or claim. This is not a guaranteed waiver or claim payment. Seek legal advice for disputed liability or reporting duties. [C2]

Must I stop if my car is undamaged?

The Code says to stop when involved; required steps depend on injury and third-party damage. [C1]

What particulars should I exchange?

Your name and address, the owner’s name and address and the registration number. [C1]

Is there a 24-hour police reporting limit?

Yes, for the reporting situations described above, with the exception where injury makes reporting impossible. [C1]

Does every slight scrape require police attendance?

The Code gives qualified guidance for slight damage without injury; required particulars must still be supplied. [C1]

Does no police report mean no insurer notice?

No. Report known traffic-related accidents to your insurer as soon as practicable. [C2]

Can I ignore a summons if I deny fault?

No. The Government relays advice to notify the insurer immediately on receiving it. [C2]

Does late awareness guarantee the insurer will pay?

No. The Government calls for circumstances to be considered; policy terms and the individual facts still matter. [C2]

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General information, not advice.