Reports are easy to put off, especially after a small bump. But they create the official record insurers rely on, and many are required by law or by your policy. A missed report can mean fines, trouble with your license or problems with your coverage. Because the rules differ from state to state, use this guide as a map and check the exact requirements in the state where the crash happened.
| Who | When | How |
|---|---|---|
| Police | At the scene, or as soon as possible | 911 for injuries or danger; the non-emergency line, a station visit or an online form for minor crashes |
| State motor vehicle agency | By the state's deadline, if the crash meets its reporting rules | The state's crash report form, often online or by mail |
| Your insurer | Promptly, as your policy requires | The claims line, app or website, or your agent |
| The other driver's insurer | If you ask them to pay for your damage | Their claims line, using the other driver's policy number |
Reporting to the police
Call 911 right away if anyone is hurt or killed, a driver seems impaired, someone leaves the scene or refuses to share information, or the vehicles are blocking traffic. Many states require drivers to notify police immediately when a crash causes injury or death.
For a minor crash with no injuries, call the non-emergency number. Some departments do not send an officer to small property-damage crashes. If that happens, ask whether you can file a report online or at a station, and do it the same day if you can.
When an officer does come, give the facts and ask for their name, badge number, agency and the report number. Read your copy when it is available. If something is wrong, contact the agency; some let you add a written statement of your own.
Reporting to your state
Many states require drivers to send their own written report to the state motor vehicle agency, or another state office, when a crash causes injury, death or property damage above a set dollar amount. The details vary widely:
- The threshold. The damage amount that triggers a report differs by state.
- The deadline. In some states it is measured in days, not weeks.
- Who files. In some states a police report is enough; in others each driver must file even if an officer came.
- The form and the office. Each state uses its own form and may take reports online, by mail or in person.
Missing a required report can carry penalties, which in some states include a license suspension. Some states also use these reports to confirm that each driver had insurance.
Check your state. Search your state motor vehicle agency's website for "crash report" or "accident report," or look in the state driver's handbook. Do not assume damage falls below the threshold because it looks small: modern bumpers can hide sensors and cameras that are costly to repair.
Reporting to your insurance company
Most auto policies require prompt notice of any accident involving your car, no matter who caused it. Report it even when:
- You were not at fault
- The damage looks too small for a claim
- The other driver offers to pay you privately
- You were driving a borrowed car, or someone else was driving yours
If you borrowed a car, the owner's insurer usually handles the claim first and your own policy may apply as backup, so tell both. Prompt notice matters because the other driver could file a claim or a lawsuit months later. If your insurer never heard about the accident, late notice can make it harder to defend you or put your coverage at risk.
Many drivers worry that reporting will raise their rate. How an accident affects your premium depends on who was at fault, your insurer and your state's rules, and some states limit surcharges for accidents you did not cause. Telling your insurer about an accident and asking it to pay are separate decisions, though the insurer may keep a record either way.
What to include in a report
- The date, time and exact location, including street names or a mile marker
- A short, factual description of what happened
- Names, contact details and license numbers of all drivers
- The insurance company and policy number for each vehicle
- Each vehicle's year, make, model and plate number
- Any injuries, and whether anyone went to a hospital
- Witness names and phone numbers
- The police agency and report number
- Photos of the vehicles and the scene
- Where your car is now: at home, at a shop or at a tow yard
Stick to facts. If you are unsure of something, say so rather than guessing. Keep copies of everything you submit, and note the date and the name of each person you speak with.
Deadlines to keep in mind
- Police: at the scene or as soon as possible. Some states set a time limit for reporting a crash that police did not attend.
- State report: set by state law, and sometimes short.
- Insurer: most policies say "promptly" or "as soon as practicable," and some set specific time limits for certain claims, such as a hit-and-run.
- Lawsuits: every state limits how long you have to file a lawsuit over injuries or property damage, and the limits differ by state and type of claim. If anyone was injured, talking with a licensed attorney early can help protect your options.
Once your reports are in, Filing Claims 101 explains what happens next. For the scene itself, keep What to Do After a Collision handy.