Last reviewed: June 1, 2026 · Written by James Carter, Consumer Rights Researcher · Independent resource — not a government site
Report a car accident by calling 911 if there are injuries, then notify your insurance within 24 hours and file a police report. Requirements vary by state — check your state DMV for accident reporting thresholds.
Quick answer: Report a car accident by calling 911 if there are injuries or the accident blocks traffic. Exchange information with the other driver, take photos, notify your insurance company within 24 hours, and file a police report if required by your state (usually for damages over $500-$2,500 depending on state).
Over 6 million car accidents are reported in the U.S. each year. Failing to report an accident — even a minor one — can result in fines, license suspension, denied insurance claims, and criminal charges for hit-and-run. This guide covers exactly when and how to report in all 50 states.
When You MUST Report a Car Accident
You must report an accident to police immediately if there are injuries, fatalities, or the accident blocks traffic. You must file a written report with your state DMV if property damage exceeds your state’s threshold ($500-$2,500 depending on state) or if any driver is uninsured. You must notify your insurance company within 24 hours regardless of fault.
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Where to Report a Car Accident
📄 Download Free Car Accident Checklist
Get our step-by-step checklist as a quick reference guide
Get Your Free Checklist →| Situation | Who to Contact | When |
|---|---|---|
| Injuries or blocked traffic | 911 | Immediately at scene |
| Property damage only (minor) | Non-emergency police line | At scene or within 24 hours |
| All accidents (even minor) | Your insurance company | Within 24 hours |
| Accidents exceeding state threshold | State DMV | Within 10 days (varies by state) |
| Hit by uninsured driver | Your insurer + state DMV | Within 24 hours |
How to Report a Car Accident Step by Step
- Stop immediately and check for injuries. Leaving the scene of an accident is a criminal offense in all 50 states. Call 911 if anyone is injured, even if injuries seem minor. Do not move injured people unless there is immediate danger.
- Call 911 if required. Call police if there are injuries, significant property damage, a dispute about fault, impaired drivers, or if the accident blocks traffic. In some states, police won’t respond to minor property-damage-only accidents — check your local policy.
- Exchange information with all drivers. Get names, phone numbers, addresses, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, insurance companies, and policy numbers. Also get contact info from any witnesses.
- Document everything with photos and notes. Take photos of all vehicle damage, the accident scene, license plates, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Write down the date, time, location, weather, and what happened.
- File a police report if required. If police respond, they will file a report. If not, determine whether your state requires you to file a written report — most states require it for accidents over a certain dollar threshold. File within your state’s deadline.
- Notify your insurance company within 24 hours. Report the accident even if you weren’t at fault and even if damages seem minor. Delays in reporting can result in denied claims. Provide all documentation and photos.
- File a report with your state DMV if required. Check your state’s requirement — most states require a written accident report for damages exceeding $500-$2,500. Deadlines are typically 10 days. File even if police filed a report.
- Seek medical attention. See a doctor within 72 hours even if you feel fine — some injuries don’t appear immediately. Medical records strengthen insurance claims and protect you legally.
State-by-State Accident Reporting Thresholds
Every state has a different damage threshold that triggers a mandatory written report to the DMV. Here are examples (check your state DMV for current requirements):
| State | Report Required If Damage Exceeds | Filing Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| California | $1,000 | 10 days |
| Florida | $500 | 10 days |
| Texas | $1,000 | 10 days |
| New York | $1,000 | 10 days |
| Illinois | $1,500 | Immediately if injuries |
| Pennsylvania | $1,000 | 5 days |
For your specific state’s requirements, visit your state DMV website or call your local DMV office.
Frequently Asked Questions
For related guides see: How to Report Insurance Fraud, How to Report an Online Scam, and our Fraud & Scams Reporting Hub.