Overview
To report a car accident, call 911 from the scene if anyone is hurt or the vehicles are blocking traffic, and ask the responding officer for the report number. Then notify your own insurance company promptly — most policies require it regardless of who was at fault. Georgia, Texas, Illinois, and Alabama each also have rules about when a crash must be reported to the state or to police, typically triggered by injury, death, or property damage above a certain dollar amount. Here's how each step works.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I report a car accident?
Call 911 or the local police from the scene so an officer can respond and document the crash, then get the officer's name and the report number before you leave. Afterward, report the accident to your own insurance company as soon as you reasonably can, even if you weren't at fault. Depending on the state and the severity, you may also need to file a driver's report with the state agency.
When does the law require me to report a crash to police?
Each state sets a trigger. Georgia requires drivers to immediately report a crash involving injury, death, or property damage of $500 or more (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-273). Texas, Illinois, and Alabama similarly require reporting crashes involving injury or death and, above certain damage thresholds, even property-damage-only crashes. When in doubt, call the police — an officer's report is valuable for any later claim.
What if the police don't come to the scene?
Some states have a driver-report form for crashes an officer didn't investigate. Texas has historically used the CR-2 Driver's Crash Report for unreported crashes with damage of $1,000 or more, though the form's filing requirements have changed, so check current Texas DOT guidance. Illinois drivers must file an Illinois Motorist Report within 10 days for crashes involving injury, death, or property damage over roughly $1,500. Alabama uses the SR-13 driver report for crashes with injury, death, or damage above a modest threshold. Confirm current thresholds with your state agency.
How do I report the accident to my insurance company?
Call the claims number on your insurance card or use the insurer's app, give the date, location, other driver's information, and a brief factual description, and provide the police report number. Keep it short and factual — you're required to give notice, not to give a detailed recorded statement or speculate about fault. Ask for the claim number and the adjuster's contact information.
Should I report the accident to the other driver's insurance too?
If the other driver was at fault, their insurer will need to be notified to open a liability claim, but you don't have to do it the moment you get home, and you're not required to give them a recorded statement. Many people have their attorney make that contact so nothing said offhand is used against them later. A free case review from Injury Case Pro can help you get an attorney involved before you speak with the other side's adjuster.
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Get A Free Case Review →This page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by state and every case is different. Contact us to discuss the specific facts of your situation.
