File a report with your local police department within 24 to 72 hours of the accident
You file a police report by calling your local police non-emergency line or visiting the police station in person. Most departments have a non-emergency number listed on their website — this is faster than 911 unless someone is injured or the scene is unsafe. The officer will take down details about what happened, the vehicles involved, and the other driver's information, then give you a report number. You'll need this number for your insurance claim and for any future reference to the accident.
Some police departments allow you to file a report online through their website if the accident was minor and no one was hurt. Check your local department's website first — you may be able to start the process without leaving home. If online filing isn't available, call the non-emergency line to ask whether you should come in person or if they can take the report over the phone.
The timing matters. Most insurance companies and state laws expect you to report an accident within a specific window — usually 24 to 72 hours. Filing late can complicate your insurance claim, even if the delay wasn't your fault. If you're injured or unable to file when ready, call your insurance company first to explain the delay.
Key Takeaways
- Contact your local police non-emergency line (not 911) to file a report unless someone is injured or the scene is unsafe.
- Have the other driver's name, phone number, address, driver's license number, license plate, and insurance information ready before you call.
- Ask the officer for the report number and the department's case number so you can reference it when you contact your insurance company.
- File within 24 to 72 hours of the accident to avoid delays with your insurance claim.
- Some police departments let you file online if the accident was minor and involved no injuries — check your local department's website first.
What information you need to provide
Before you call, gather the other driver's details. You'll need their full name, phone number, home address, driver's license number, license plate number, vehicle make and model, and insurance company name and policy number. If there were passengers in either vehicle, note their names and contact information. If there were witnesses who aren't passengers, get their names and phone numbers too.
Write down what happened in a few sentences while it's fresh — the time of day, the weather, which direction each car was traveling, and how the collision occurred. Note any traffic signs or signals at the location. Take photos of the accident scene, the damage to both vehicles, and the road conditions if you haven't already. The officer may ask you to describe these details, and having notes makes your account clearer and more accurate.
Have your own driver's license, vehicle registration, and insurance information available when you call. The officer will ask for these to verify your identity and vehicle details.
How to contact your local police department
Search online for "[your city] police non-emergency number" or "[your county] sheriff non-emergency number" to find the correct phone line. Most police departments list this number prominently on their website homepage. If you can't find it online, call 411 or search your city's official website under "Police Department" or "Public Safety."
When you call, explain that you were in a car accident and need to file a report. The dispatcher will ask you basic questions about the accident — where it happened, when, and whether anyone was hurt. They'll either take your report over the phone or schedule an officer to meet you at the police station or the accident scene. If the accident happened on a highway or major road, the dispatcher may send an officer to the scene to document it.
If you're filing online, go to your police department's website and look for a link labeled "Report an Accident," "File a Report," or "Online Reporting." Follow the form's prompts and upload any photos you took. You'll receive a confirmation number or report number via email.
What happens during the police report process
When you speak with an officer — whether by phone or in person — they'll ask you to describe the accident in detail. Be honest and stick to what you saw. The officer will ask questions like: What direction were you traveling? What was the other driver doing before the collision? Did anyone run a red light or stop sign? Were there any traffic signals at the intersection? The officer is documenting the facts, not determining fault, though their observations may be included in the report.
The officer will also ask about injuries, vehicle damage, and whether the vehicles were drivable after the accident. They may ask if you were cited for any traffic violation. Answer these questions straightforwardly. If you don't remember something, say so — guessing can create inconsistencies in your report.
After the officer finishes, they'll give you a report number and tell you when the written report will be available. Some departments provide a printed copy on the spot; others mail it or make it available online within a few days. Ask the officer for the case number and the department's phone number so you can retrieve the report later if needed.
Getting a copy of your police report
You'll need the police report number to request a copy. Most police departments allow you to pick up a copy in person at the station, request it by mail, or read it from their website. Some departments charge a small fee — typically $5 to $15 — for a printed copy. Check your department's website for the process and any fees.
If you need the report quickly for your insurance claim, ask the officer when it will be ready. Some departments have reports available within 24 hours; others take a week or longer. Your insurance company can sometimes request the report directly from the police department using your case number, which may speed up the process.
When you don't need a police report
In some states, you don't need a police report if the accident was minor, both drivers agree on what happened, and there's no injury. However, it's still a good idea to file one. A police report creates an official record that protects you if the other driver later claims you were at fault or if they file a claim against you months later. Without a report, it becomes your word against theirs.
If the other driver refuses to exchange information or becomes hostile, call the police when ready — don't try to resolve it yourself. If you hit a parked car or property and can't locate the owner, you're legally required to leave a note with your contact information and call the police to file a report. This protects you from a hit-and-run charge.
What to do after filing your report
Once you have your report number, contact your insurance company within a few days. Have the report number, the other driver's insurance information, and photos of the damage ready. Your insurance company will use the police report to investigate the claim and determine fault. If the other driver was at fault, their insurance should cover the damage; if you were at fault, your insurance will handle it according to your coverage.
Keep a copy of the police report with your insurance documents. If there's a dispute about the accident later, you'll have an official record to reference. If you're injured and the injuries appear later, you can reference the police report when you file a claim for medical expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to file a police report if the accident was minor?
It's not always required by law for minor accidents, but filing one is still recommended. A police report creates an official record that protects you if the other driver later disputes what happened or files a claim against you. Without a report, you have no documentation beyond your word and any photos you took.
What if the other driver doesn't have insurance?
Report this to the police officer when you file your report — they'll note it in the report. Tell your insurance company when ready as well. Depending on your coverage, your uninsured motorist protection may cover the damage. Your insurance company will guide you through the next steps.
Can I file a police report days after the accident?
Yes, but it's better to file within 24 to 72 hours. Filing late can raise questions with your insurance company and may complicate your claim. If you were injured or unable to file when ready, call your insurance company first to explain the delay, then file the police report as soon as you can.
What if I don't remember the other driver's license plate number?
Tell the officer what you do remember — the vehicle make, model, and color, and the driver's name and phone number if you have them. The officer can often locate the vehicle using this information. If you have photos from the scene, those may show the license plate even if you didn't write it down.
How long does it take to get the police report?
Most departments have reports ready within 24 hours to one week. Ask the officer when it will be available and how to retrieve it — some departments mail copies, others let you read them online, and some require you to pick them up in person. Your insurance company can sometimes request it directly using your case number.