Getting a copy of a police report after a car accident is one of the most important steps you can take after a crash. It is the official record of what happened, and most insurance companies require it before they can process a claim. The process is not the same in every state, but the basic steps are similar no matter where the crash occurred.
Why the Police Report Matters
When officers respond to a crash, they document everything at the scene: the parties involved, vehicle and insurance information, road conditions, witness accounts, and their own observations about how the collision happened. That document becomes the baseline record for everything that follows: insurance claims, disputes over fault, and any legal steps a person might take later.
Without a report, resolving a crash often comes down to one driver’s word against another’s. Having the official document provides an independent, dated record that is harder to challenge. According to the NHTSA, approximately 40,901 people died in U.S. traffic crashes in 2023), and for the far greater number of survivors dealing with injuries and property damage, securing documentation early makes the recovery process significantly smoother.
Who Files the Report and Where It Is Kept
When law enforcement responds to a crash, the officer on scene prepares the report and submits it to their agency, whether that is a city police department, a county sheriff’s office, or the state highway patrol. That agency holds the official copy.
Drivers and passengers involved in the crash have the right to request a copy. In most states, accident reports become available within a few business days of being filed, though timelines vary by jurisdiction and by whether the crash is still under investigation.
Step-by-Step: How to Request Your Report
Step 1: Identify the responding agency. Note which department arrived on scene. If you were transported by ambulance or did not receive paperwork, the date, time, and intersection of the crash are usually enough for a records clerk to locate the file.
Step 2: Find the incident number. Officers typically note this on any paperwork given at the scene. It is the fastest way to pull up your specific report, though most agencies can also search by name and crash date.
Step 3: Contact the agency’s records division. Most police departments, sheriff’s offices, and state highway patrol agencies have a dedicated records unit. Many now offer online portals, in-person pickup, or mail-in requests. Fees typically run from a few dollars to around fifteen dollars for a copy.
Step 4: Submit your request. You will generally need the date and location of the crash, your name as listed on the report, and a valid photo ID. The incident number speeds things up but is not always required.
Common Reasons Requests Get Delayed
Most delays come down to a few predictable issues. The most common is contacting the wrong agency. A crash on a road that crosses a city-county line may be handled by either jurisdiction, and starting with the wrong one adds days to the process. Other common causes include a name mismatch between the request and the report, a missing incident number, or the report still being processed because the crash is under active investigation.
If the report is linked to an investigation, the agency may not release it until the case closes. Asking for an estimated release date when you make your request avoids repeated follow-up calls.
What to Do If You Were Hospitalized
If you were taken from the scene by ambulance, you may not have any paperwork at all: no incident number, possibly not even the name of the agency that responded. Start with the address of the crash and the date and time. Call the records division of the agency most likely to cover that location. If the crash was on a state highway or interstate, the state highway patrol is usually the right starting point.
Also, make sure you know and undertsand what an accident report contains since this may be extremely useful if you decide to file an insurance or legal claim after your crash.
Need Help Getting Your Report?
If you are running into delays, cannot identify the right agency, or simply do not have the time to navigate the process while recovering from a crash, free assistance is available. Request a Free Police Report through Local Accident Reports and our team will handle the follow-up for you, at no cost and with no obligation.
We are available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have abour your crash report.
FAQ: Getting Your Car Accident Police Report
Can I get a police report if I was not the driver?
Yes. Passengers and other parties involved in a crash generally have the right to request a copy from the responding agency.
What if no police responded to my crash?
If officers did not come to the scene, there may be no official report. In many states, you can file a self-report through the DMV or Department of Transportation when injuries or significant property damage are involved.
Do I need the report number to make a request?
No, but it speeds things up. Most agencies can locate a report by name, date, and location if the incident number is not available.
Is there a deadline for requesting a police report?
Reports do not expire, but waiting too long can complicate insurance claims. Most insurance policies require prompt notification of a crash, so requesting the report soon after it is finalized is a good practice.
Can the police report be wrong?
Yes. Officers document what they observe and what witnesses tell them at the scene. If something is inaccurate, you can contact the agency to request a correction or submit a supplemental statement, though agencies are not required to change the original document.
How much does a copy cost?
Fees vary by state and agency, generally from no charge to around fifteen dollars. Some online portals add a processing fee on top of the copy fee.
What if the report is still under investigation?
Reports tied to active investigations may be withheld until the case closes. Ask the agency for an estimated release date and check back at that time.
Content reviewed by Hernán Beresnak, Lead Editor, Local Accident Reports. Last reviewed: June 2026.
*Local Accident Reports is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation. The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Use of this website does not create an attorney-client relationship. See our full disclaimer.*
