How to file a police report for damaged property?

Asked by: Ashleigh Murazik  |  Last update: April 6, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (30 votes)

First you call your local police department & tell the person who answers the phone that you want to file a crime report concerning damage to your property. If the property damage was not the result of a criminal act, then don't bother the police, because it is a civil matter.

Can you call the police if someone destroys your property?

Contact the police.

You won't necessarily need to do this for simple cases, but this may be necessary if the damage is verging on vandalism.

How long do you have to file a police report?

You have only a short time to file a police report after an accident. For example, in states such as California, you only have 10 days after the day of the accident to file. the deadline is even stricter in other states.

How to write a property damage report?

How to fill out a property damage report:
  1. Gather all necessary information about the incident, including date, time, and location.
  2. Describe the details of the damage, including what was damaged and the extent of the damage.
  3. Take photographs or videos of the damaged property as evidence.

How much can you sue for property damage?

In short, in this situation, the most you can recover is the fair market or "actual cash" value of a damaged item (the amount you could have sold it for), figured at the time the damage occurred.

Do I Need to File a Police Report After an Accident?

21 related questions found

Are police liable for property damage?

California police civil liability law, for example, says that law enforcement isn't responsible for any “reasonable damages” they cause — only those resulting from “unnecessarily destructive behavior” or unlawful activities.

Is it worth going to small claims court for $500?

Conclusion: Going to small claims court may be worth it for $500, but it will determine how you weigh your costs versus benefits. At a minimum, it is worth it to send a demand letter.

How to start a damage report?

How to Write an Incident Report: A Step-by-Step Guide (with Examples)
  1. Step 1: Provide Fundamental Information. ...
  2. Step 2: Take Note of Any Damages and Injuries. ...
  3. Step 3: Identify Affected Individual(s) ...
  4. Step 4: Identify Witnesses and Take Their Statements. ...
  5. Step 5: Take Action. ...
  6. Step 6: Close Your Report.

How do I claim damaged property?

Notify your insurance provider promptly after documenting the damage. Most insurance companies have a 24/7 claims hotline for reporting incidents. Provide all details, including your policy number and a description of what happened, and submit the documentation you collected.

What is classified as property damage?

Property damage is injury to real or personal property . An example could be a chemical leak on a piece of real estate, or damage to a car from an accident. Property owners can obtain property insurance to protect against the risk of property damage. [Last updated in April of 2021 by the Wex Definitions Team ]

Will I be notified if a police report is filed against me?

People aren't automatically notified. If the police decide to investigate the report, then them investigating will often include them contacting the person to ask them questions.

How to write a police report?

Police reports are written in first person, past tense and organized in chronological order. The conclusion should include the final actions as the reporting officer. It should always end with “There is nothing further to report.”

What happens if you file a police report but don't press charges?

Even if the alleged victim says they don't want to press charges, the police could look elsewhere for evidence to form probable cause. Probable cause is a low standard of proof.

How much does a property damage lawyer cost?

A property damage lawyer 's costs typically range between $100 and $300 per hour for their professional services.

What to do if someone threatens to damage your property?

Report the threat to law enforcement.

What happens if you damage a rental property?

In California, for example, landlords have 21 days to return all of a tenant's security deposit if there are no deductions. California landlords can only use funds from a security deposit to clean the rental property, repair damage outside of normal wear and tear, and restore or replace furniture included in the rental ...

How long does a property damage claim take?

The amount of time it will take to settle your property damage claim can vary considerably depending on the damage extent and location and how the insurance company responds to your filing. Some claims may resolve within weeks, while others can take months or even years.

How do I settle a property damage claim?

Here's what you need to know about negotiating a fair settlement for property damage in California.
  1. Know What You Want from the Insurance Company. ...
  2. Ask to See How the Insurer Valued Your Car. ...
  3. Don't Accept a Lowball Settlement Offer. ...
  4. Emphasize the Points in Your Favor. ...
  5. Document Everything Throughout the Process.

How do I write a property damage claim?

What Should be Included in a Property Damage Incident Report?
  1. Date and Time of the Damage.
  2. Reporter's Contact Information.
  3. Property and Property Owner Information.
  4. Description of Damage.
  5. Cause of Damage.
  6. Injury/Accident Report.
  7. Visual Documentation/Evidence.
  8. Witness Information.

How do I make a claim report?

Contact your insurance company

Whether you file your car insurance claim over the phone, online, through a mobile app, or with an agent, your insurer will likely request the following details: Location, date, and time of accident. Name, address, phone number, and insurance policy number for all involved in the accident.

Why is it important to report damage?

If you don't report incidents that happen, the same type of incident might happen again. The opportunity to analyse what happened, how, why, what could have stopped it and the root causes and factors involved are all lost if the full details of the incident are not recorded.

How do I claim my own damage?

How to Claim Car Insurance for Own-Damage?
  1. Inform Your Insurer. You must inform your insurance company about the accident as soon as it occurs. ...
  2. File an FIR. File the First Information Report (FIR) at your nearest police station as soon as possible. ...
  3. Evaluation of Damages. ...
  4. Claim Settlement.

Do people win in small claims court?

In fact, many small claims cases are won simply because the other side didn't show up to court. The result of a successful small claims case is a judgment—a court order requiring the other party to pay you.

What happens if I sue someone and lose?

If you lose, you could be required to pay all court costs and fees, including those of the other parties. Some states, like Nevada, are "loser pays" states, meaning the loser in a lawsuit pays all court costs. If you lose a personal injury claim, you will be out of pocket for your medical expenses and other costs.

How much is small claims court in Tennessee?

You must pay a filing fee of $168.50, which includes the cost of having the Sheriff serve your complaint on the other party. For any additional parties, you must pay $28.00 for each defendant.