Good job reporting your accident your insurance agent. That was a right thing to do. Whenever you are involved in an accident, your insurance company needs to know - even if they do not pay anything for it. Reporting the claim helps them protect their financial interests in your accident. For example, what if the mall wants to collect to fix or repaint the pole? If you have "property damage liability," your insurance company will use that coverage to fix the damage to the pole. Now, your agent is correct. You need to contact the police to report this accident. They will let you know what their level of involvement will be. But, let them determine that. As for fixing your vehicle, it will be up to you if you want to have your insurance company fix your vehicle. If the cost to fix your vehicle is minor, it may not be worth your insurance company's help in fixing your vehicle. If your insurance company has to fix your vehicle, your rates are most likely going to increase. However, if you do not fix your vehicle, this may impede your ability to purchase 'comprehensive' and 'collision' coverages in the future.