When you have to fill out an accident report alone: what do you do if the other party leaves or refuses to sign?

It happens more often than you think: You find yourself in a minor collision in a parking lot or at an intersection, and when you try to fill out the accident report, the other party won't cooperate. Some get stressed and drive away, while others refuse to sign because they disagree about liability. This doesn’t mean you have no options – but you need to follow the right steps and secure documentation that can hold up under scrutiny from the insurance company.

First step at the scene: safety and calm

Always start with safety. Turn on your hazard lights, wear a reflective vest, and ensure no one is in danger. If necessary, call 113. The Norwegian Public Roads Administration has general information about safe behavior and what to do in traffic accidents on their website: Norwegian Public Roads Administration.

When should the police be contacted?

You should consider contacting the police if there is personal injury, suspicion of intoxication, threatening behavior, or if the other party flees (hit-and-run). The police provide contact points and advice on their website: The Police. In case of acute danger, call 112.

If the other party leaves: here’s what you should do immediately

If the other party leaves the scene without exchanging information, it is especially important to gather facts while everything is fresh in your memory.

• Note the license plate number (or take a picture/video of the car if you have time).
• Take pictures of damages to both vehicles (if possible), positions, road markings, signs, weather/light conditions, and any tracks on the road.
• Find witnesses and ask for their names and phone numbers.
• Write down the timeline: time, location, direction, speed (approximately), and what was said/done.

Tip: Many insurance companies place great emphasis on contemporaneous notes and photos when it's word against word.

If the other party refuses to sign: what does that really mean?

A signature is useful because it shows that both parties agree that the information is correct – but the absence of a signature does not stop the claims process. You can still report the accident, and the insurance company will make an assessment based on documentation, explanations, and any witnesses.

How to fill out the accident report alone

• Be specific: Describe the sequence of events without assumptions (avoid saying “I think he was on his phone”).
• Draw a sketch with direction, lanes, signs, and collision points.
• Provide what you actually know: license plate number, type/color of the vehicle, location, and time.
• Note that the other party refused to sign or left the scene, and what was said.
• Attach photos and witness information.

Digital accident reporting when you can’t come to an agreement

When the situation is unclear, it can help to have a solution that keeps track of versions and documentation. With Skademeldinger.no, you can fill out the accident report on your mobile – and if the other party still is willing to cooperate, you can do it together and sign digitally. If the other party refuses to sign, you can still complete your part, share the link, and document that you attempted to create a joint version ready for submission to the insurance company.

Documentation that often determines the outcome

Insurance settlements are basically about documentation. Finance Norway has information about insurance and claims in general, and can be a useful starting point for understanding industry practices: Finance Norway. Additionally, NAF offers a lot of practical consumer-oriented guidance about car ownership and accidents: NAF.

Here are typical factors that strengthen your explanation:

• Pictures from multiple angles (preferably including overview shots of the scene).
• Dashcam video (original file, not just clips).
• Witness statements with contact information.
• Damage pattern that matches the sketch (height, direction, contact point).
• Police logging/case number when relevant.

Economics: deductible, bonus and liability issues

What you end up paying depends on liability and what coverages you have (liability, partial coverage, comprehensive). In the case of liability claims, it is generally the party responsible that is charged through their insurance, while comprehensive is typically used for damage to your own vehicle when liability is unclear or you are at fault. Deductibles and bonus losses vary between companies and terms, and some companies may, for example, refund bonus/deductible if the other party is later found liable. Always check your terms – and ask your claims handler what applies in your case.

Practical advice to move forward (workshop, rental car and progress)

• Do not start repairs before clarification with the insurance, unless the vehicle needs to be secured.
• Agree on an assessment/inspection as desired by the company (digital pictures may suffice for minor damages).
• Ask about a rental car if you have coverage or the other party is liable – practices and terms vary.
• Submit the accident report quickly, while details and documentation are fresh.

Checklist: this is what you write in the accident report when you are alone

• Date/time and exact location (preferably with street name/intersection).
• Your explanation in bullet points, without speculation.
• That the other party left the scene or refused to sign, and possibly why (as you understand it).
• License plate number, type of vehicle, and description of the driver (if relevant).
• Witnesses + photos/videos as attachments.

In summary

Even if the other party leaves or refuses to sign, you can still do solid work that gives the insurance company a basis to handle the case. The key is safety first, then systematic documentation and a precise accident report. And the easier you make it to gather information, share it, and keep everything in one tidy version, the less stress there will be afterwards.