How to File a Police Report After an Accident

Last Updated on December 27, 2025

A police report can be one of the most useful documents in the days and weeks following an accident. It creates an official record of what happened, who was involved, where the crash occurred, and what an officer observed at the scene. That information can help an adjuster verify details, sort out conflicting stories, and move a claim forward.

Below is a practical, step-by-step guide on how to file a police report after an accident, what to include, what to do if an officer won’t come to the scene, and how to get a copy for your insurance claim.

Key Takeaways

• A police report creates an official record of the crash, which can help insurance companies verify details, resolve disputes, and process claims more smoothly.
• Always call the police for injuries, hit-and-runs, suspected DUI, major damage, road hazards, or any situation where the other driver is uncooperative.
• If police won’t come to the scene, you may be able to file a report online or at the station—then rely on strong documentation (photos, witnesses, notes).
• Get the crash report number and officer’s details at the scene so you can request the report later and provide it to your insurer.

First: Make Sure Everyone Is Safe

Before you think about paperwork, focus on safety and medical care.

1. Check for injuries and call 911 if anyone is hurt.
2. Move to a safer location if the vehicles can be moved and it’s safe to do so.
3. Turn on hazards and watch for traffic to prevent a secondary crash.

If you want a complete crash-scene checklist (photos, info exchange, and more), follow these steps to take immediately after a car accident.

For a broader safety perspective on post-crash response and why quick emergency care matters, the U.S. Department of Transportation has a good overview here: Post-Crash Care (U.S. DOT).

Do You Need to File a Police Report?

Not every fender bender requires a police report, but many situations do. Some states require reporting when there’s injury, death, a hit-and-run, suspected impairment, or property damage above a certain threshold. Rules vary widely by state and even by city.

If you’re unsure whether your crash legally requires a report—or whether your insurer will require documentation—this guide explains whether you need a police report to file a claim.

When You Should Always Call the Police

• Anyone is injured (even if it seems minor)
• A vehicle is not drivable or needs towing
• There’s a hit-and-run, uninsured driver, or uncooperative driver
• You suspect DUI/drug impairment
• There’s major damage, debris, or a traffic hazard
• Government property is damaged (guardrail, sign, utility pole)
• There’s a dispute about what happened

Even in smaller crashes, having an official report can make the insurance process smoother. The Insurance Information Institute (III) also recommends collecting thorough information at the scene and asking where you can obtain a copy of the police report: III tips on what to do after an auto accident.

How to File a Police Report at the Scene

In many crashes, the “police report” is created when an officer responds to the scene and documents what happened.

1. Call 911 (or use the non-emergency number if there are no injuries and it’s safe to wait).
2. Exchange information with the other driver(s): name, contact info, license plate, driver’s license, and insurance details.
3. Document the scene with photos/video: vehicle damage, positions, skid marks, traffic signs, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
4. Get witness info (names and phone numbers). Witnesses often leave quickly.
5. Give a clear, factual statement to the officer. Stick to what you know. Don’t guess speeds or distances.
6. Ask for the report number (sometimes called an incident number, case number, or crash report number) and the officer’s name/badge number.

Tip: Don’t argue with the other driver at the scene. And avoid statements that sound like an admission of guilt. If you’re unsure how to handle this moment, read whether you should admit fault after a car accident.

What If the Police Won’t Come to the Scene?

In many cities, police may not dispatch an officer for a minor accident with no injuries and no road blockage. If that happens, ask the dispatcher what your options are. Common alternatives include:

• Filing an online report through your local police department (available in many areas for minor crashes)
• Filing in person at a police station
• Filing a separate state crash report with the DMV/department of transportation (some states require a driver-submitted report in certain situations)

If you can’t get an officer to respond, your documentation matters even more. Take extra photos, write down what happened while it’s fresh, and gather witness contact information.

What to Include in Your Accident Report

Whether an officer writes the report or you submit one yourself, try to capture complete, accurate details. Include:

• Date, time, and exact location (cross streets help)
• Driver and vehicle information for everyone involved (names, plates, insurer, policy numbers if available)
• A factual description of what happened (what you saw and what you did)
• Weather/road conditions and visibility
• Witness names and contact information
• Any injuries (even if symptoms appear later)
• Photos/video and any notes you took at the scene

If you’re worried the other driver may change their story later, stay calm and focus on documentation. Here’s what to do if the at-fault party lies about the accident.

How to Get a Copy of the Police Report

Most departments won’t hand you the full report at the scene. Instead, you’ll usually use the report number to request it later.

1. Write down the report number and the officer’s name/badge number.
2. Ask when it will be available (timelines vary by department).
3. Request it through the department’s records unit or online portal (there may be a small fee).

Once you have it, you can share it with your insurer. Many insurers will also verify key details directly. If you’ve ever wondered how often police reports are reviewed, here’s whether auto insurance companies check police reports.

How a Police Report Helps Your Insurance Claim

A police report isn’t magic, and it doesn’t automatically decide fault. But it can strengthen a claim by documenting objective details like roadway conditions, vehicle positions, witness information, and any citations issued.

When you’re ready to start the claims process, this guide explains the proper way to file an insurance claim after an accident.

Important: A claim can still be denied if documentation is missing, coverage doesn’t apply, or facts don’t support the loss. If you run into a denial, here’s how and why insurers can deny your claim.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Leaving the scene without exchanging information or getting help (could lead to serious legal consequences)
• Waiting days to document injuries or damage (memories fade and evidence disappears)
• Guessing details when speaking to police (stick to what you know)
• Forgetting to get the report number (it’s the fastest way to track the report later)
• Admitting fault on the roadside (let the investigation and insurers determine liability)

FAQs on Filing a Police Report After an Accident

Conclusion: Filing a Police Report After an Accident

After a crash, a police report can provide an official record that helps your insurer verify what happened and resolve disputes faster. If there are injuries, major damage, road hazards, or an uncooperative driver, call the police. If officers won’t respond, ask how to file a report online or at the station, and document everything yourself.