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Car (Motor Vehicle) Incident Report Template

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Car (Motor Vehicle) Incident Report Template

Updated January 16, 2024

A car accident incident report documents the series of events that occurred before and during a vehicle collision. This is required to be submitted by law (in most states) and upon request by an insurance company.

By State (DMV)

*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.