How to File a Police Report After an Accident
Being in a car accident can leave anyone feeling shaken, confused, and unsure of the next steps. Among all the accident procedures, one of the most important but often overlooked actions is to file a police report. Whether you're dealing with a minor bump or a major auto accident, having a proper car accident report can help protect your rights and make any future insurance or legal process much smoother.
In this guide, we'll explain how to file a police report, why it matters, and what you should know if you're ever involved in a crash.
How to Report an Accident
Not every crash leads to a police car showing up at the scene. But even if officers aren't present, that doesn't mean the accident didn't happen - or that you don't need to file a report. Depending on your situation and location, there are several ways you can report an accident.
Here's what you can generally do:
- Call police at the scene - If injuries occurred, or if the accident is serious, always call emergency services immediately.
- Visit a collision reporting center - In many regions, if the police don't come, you're required to report the accident yourself.
- Report online or by phone - For less severe cases or property damage, some police departments allow reporting through online forms or non-emergency lines.
If you're not sure what qualifies as reportable, it's better to check or go ahead and file a car accident report. That way, there's a record if questions come up later.
Reporting Online or by Mail Creates an Unofficial Report
Sometimes, especially when the accident seems minor and no police officer arrives, you might choose - or be instructed - to report the incident by yourself. That might be done through a police website, or by mailing in a report.
But what many drivers don't know is that reporting online or by mail creates an unofficial report.
What's the difference?
An unofficial report means:
- No officer was present to verify what happened
- No formal investigation was carried out
- It might not be accepted by all insurance providers
Even though it's not an official police report, submitting an unofficial one is still a smart move. It documents your effort to follow legal steps, keeps details on record, and can still be helpful in traffic complaints or disputes later.
Unofficial Report vs Official Police Report
To fully understand how reports work, you need to know the difference between unofficial and official police reports. Each has its own purpose and impact.
Here's a quick comparison to make things clear:
| Feature | Unofficial Report | Official Police Report |
|-------------|----------------------|----------------------------|
| Who Files It | You (driver) | Police Officer |
| How It's Filed | Online / Mail | At scene or police station |
| Legal Weight | Limited | Strong legal backing |
| Verified by Law Enforcement | No | Yes |
| Insurance Acceptance | Not always accepted | Typically required for claims |
| Contains Witness Info | Rare | Often included |
| Admissible in Court | Sometimes | Commonly accepted evidence |
| Useful For | Basic documentation | Insurance, legal disputes, injury claims |
So, while an unofficial report is better than nothing, it's not the same as an official police report when you're dealing with insurers or court matters.
Property and Evidence Retrieval
Sometimes after a crash, especially when the police are involved, your car - or things inside it - may be held for a while. This happens when police consider the vehicle or its contents part of an ongoing investigation.
This is where property and evidence retrieval becomes important.
What you might need to retrieve:
- Your damaged vehicle from an impound or holding lot
- Personal items left in the car (bags, devices, etc.)
- Evidence such as dashcam footage, broken parts, or photos
To recover your belongings, you'll usually need:
- Proper ID
- Vehicle ownership documents
- Possibly a case or report number
Always contact the police department or storage facility ahead of time to know what's required. Some cases may need written permission or proof that the investigation is over before you can collect items.
Request a Report
Once you've filed a car accident report, or if a police officer made one at the scene, you'll likely want a copy for your own records.
Getting a copy is usually easy, but the process may differ slightly depending on where the report was filed.
Ways to request a report:
- Visit your local police department or collision reporting center
- Submit a request online, if the police website offers it
- Mail a written request along with ID and any required fees
Before requesting, try to have:
- The accident date and time
- The names of people involved
- The case number, if you received one
Having a copy is important if:
- You need to file an insurance claim
- You're involved in a legal case
- The other driver contests who was at fault
A copy of the police report strengthens your side of the story and gives you written proof of what happened.
Why a Police Report Matters
Many people skip this step after an auto accident, especially if the damage seems minor. But skipping the filing report can cost you later.
Here's why you should always file a police report:
- It provides a third-party account of the incident
- Insurance companies often require one
- It can help support your case in a dispute
- It's useful if injuries show up later
- It's usually a legal requirement, especially if there's significant damage or someone is hurt
If the accident is serious or the other driver is uncooperative, getting a car accident report is even more important.
What to Remember When Filing a Report
When you're ready to file police report, here are some quick tips:
- Do it as soon as possible, ideally within 24-72 hours depending on local laws
- Include all key details - location, time, vehicle info, how the crash happened
- Attach any photos or documentation that help show what occurred
- Get a copy of the report once it's filed
- Stay calm and be honest. Guessing or exaggerating can hurt your credibility
Even if you're not sure whether you need to file, it's better to err on the side of caution. Filing report now might save you from legal or financial problems later.
Final Thoughts
Filing a police report might seem like a hassle in the moment, but it's one of the smartest steps you can take after a car accident. Whether it's an unofficial report you submit yourself, or an official police report taken at the scene, having proper documentation helps with insurance claims, traffic complaints, legal cases, and peace of mind.
Take the time to follow proper accident procedures, ask questions when unsure, and keep your paperwork in order. In the world of car accidents, the person with the best records often has the strongest case.