Final answer:
When property damage from a crash is notably high, such as exceeding $1,700, police notification is typically required. This threshold is determined based on the context of automobile insurance and the distribution of repair costs from minor dings to large accidents.
Step-by-step explanation:
When involved in a crash with property damage only, certain thresholds require individuals to notify the police. According to the information provided, 90 percent of crash-tested cars had damage repair costs of $1,700 or less, indicating that this is a significant benchmark for repair costs. In a similar context, understanding the concept of automobile insurance can provide insight into how damages and repair costs are evaluated and addressed. Insurance companies collect premiums from drivers to cover the potential costs of property damage due to accidents. For example, if a group of 100 drivers paid a premium of $1,860 each, the insurer would accumulate $186,000. This is the amount needed to cover damages sustained by the group, which may include damages ranging from minor dings costing $100 to large accidents resulting in $15,000 in damages.
Based on these principles, it is reasonable to infer that a significant repair cost, such as one exceeding $1,700, would merit notifying the police. Although the exact amount at which police notification is required can vary by jurisdiction, the information provided suggests that $1,700 is a noteworthy amount when considering property damage in car accidents.