By State (DMV)
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- *Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- *Maine
- *Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- *North Carolina
- *North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- *South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- Washington D.C.
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- *Wyoming
*Crash reports in these states must be requested.
How to Report a Car Accident
Most states require crashes to be reported if they result in injury to a person or damage of more than $1,000 to a vehicle or property. These reports are used in the processing of insurance claims.
- Reports can be time-sensitive. It’s best to check the statutes of the state in which the crash occurs, but if in doubt, file a crash report within 24 hours. In some states, it is illegal not to report an accident within that timeframe.
- Contact local police. The accident should be reported to the local police department in the city in which it occurs, or to the Highway Patrol.
- Have information ready. Before reporting a car accident, you’ll need your driver’s license number, your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), your Social Security Number, and your insurance information.