Ripped off my bumper/ Did I commit a hit and run?

Walter

So I hit a pole pulling out of a parking lot. I didn't hit it too hard but my bumper got caught on it and, like an idiot, I backed up. My entire bumper ripped off on my brand new '09 Tacoma. I have a couple questions:

1. Should I contact my insurance? I JUST switched car insurance this month. I'm willing to pay for it out of pocket if the cost isn't too much. I'm 25 next month and was really looking forward to getting a rate decrease.

2. I did a little damage to the pole. It occurred on private property and I was so pissed about my bumper I didn't think to notify anyone. I'm not worried about getting arrested or anything but do I need to contact the police? I want to do the right thing. My car insurance covers property damage but its a run down lot and I doubt anyone is going to care.

Luck has not been on my side lately.

DirtyDirtyVagrant

Every time an accident occurs in a vehicle you contact:

Police.
Insurance.

In that order.
Every time.

e: Probably not a hit and run. I'm not a prosecutor but I have a hard time believing that anyone would press that case. Notify the land owner at the least and offer to pay for the light pole repairs.

SkyCaptain

In Indiana, if the accident doesn't cause more than $500, you don't have to report it to the police. Personally, I would just pay out of pocket and not make a claim. As for the pole, how much is "a little damage"?

Walter

The pole was scuffed/ a little bent.

MagicToaster

I had a collision with my 2006 Suzuki Aerio in which my front bumper had to be replaced. It turned out to have a serial number that was a match to my car. I was told by the body shop that I have to register my new bumper's serial number to the Stolen Vehicle department.

I'd check this out.