Your car accident police report is one of the most important documents in your entire claim. It is the official, time-stamped record of what happened, who was involved, what the officer observed, and in many cases, who was cited for the crash. Without it, your claim is your word against the other driver’s.
Here is exactly how to get your report, what it costs, how long it takes, and how to read the information once you have it.
Step 1: Get the Report Number at the Scene
The most important thing you can do to simplify this process is to ask the responding officer for the case or incident report number before they leave the scene. This is a simple request: "Can I have the report number?" Most officers will give it to you immediately or write it on a card.
With the report number in hand, you can often retrieve your report online in a matter of days. Without it, you will need to provide the date, location, and names of parties involved — which works but takes longer.
Also note: the officer’s name and badge number. This lets you follow up directly if the report is delayed or if you have questions about the documented findings.
How Long Before the Report Is Available?
This varies significantly by jurisdiction, but a general guide:
- Major cities (NYPD, LAPD, CMPD, etc.): Typically 3 to 7 business days
- State highway patrol: Usually 5 to 14 days
- County sheriffs: Often 5 to 10 days
- Small town police departments: Can vary from 3 days to 3 weeks
If there was a serious injury or fatality, the report may take longer due to more thorough investigation requirements. Accidents involving commercial vehicles also typically involve more detailed reports.
How to Request Your Report by State
The method depends on which law enforcement agency responded to your accident — municipal police, county sheriff, or state highway patrol. Here are the primary methods available in most states:
Online Request (Available in Most States)
Most major cities and many state agencies now provide online report access through services like Lexis Nexis Police Reports, BuyPoliceReport.com, or the agency’s own portal. Typical cost: $5 to $15. You will need the report number, date, and your identification.
Larger states with online report access include California (via CHP SWITRS database), Florida (FLHSMV portal), Texas (TxDOT portal for highway crashes), New York (DMV MV-198C form online), Illinois (ISP online portal), and most other major state agencies.
In-Person Request
Visit the records division of the responding agency. Bring: your driver’s license or government ID, the date and location of the accident, the report number (if you have it), and payment for the report fee (typically $5 to $20 for standard reports; some agencies charge per page).
Most police agencies require you to be a party to the accident, an attorney of record, or an insurance company representative to obtain a copy. Third parties cannot typically obtain reports without a court order.
Mail Request
Every police agency accepts mailed records requests. Send: a written request with the accident date, location, and report number (if known), a copy of your driver’s license, and a check or money order for the fee. Processing by mail typically takes 2 to 4 weeks.
Through Your Insurance Company
Your insurance company will typically obtain the police report during their investigation. If you have opened a claim, your adjuster can often provide you with a copy. This is the easiest path if you do not have the report number and are having difficulty locating the right agency.
Through Your Attorney
If you have a personal injury attorney, they will request the full police report and supplemental materials (officer’s notes, witness statements, diagram of the crash) as part of their standard case preparation. In some cases, they can obtain materials that are not available to the general public.
What to Look for in Your Police Report
When you receive your report, review these key sections carefully:
The Narrative Section
The officer’s written account of what they observed and what the parties told them. Look for: any description of the road conditions or visibility, the officer’s assessment of what occurred, any witness statements summarized in the report.
The Fault / Citation Section
One of the most important parts. If the officer cited the other driver, this is recorded here. A citation for running a red light, for example, is powerful evidence in your civil claim. Note that officers are not always present when crashes occur and may document only what they observed — not a definitive determination of fault.
Diagrams and Measurements
Many accident reports include a diagram showing vehicle positions, direction of travel, and impact point. If this diagram shows the other vehicle in your lane or crossing a centerline, preserve this carefully — it is strong evidence.
Errors and Corrections
Read every detail carefully. Common errors include: wrong names or license plate numbers, incorrect descriptions of damage or injuries, and inaccurate location descriptions. If you find errors, contact the reporting agency to request an amendment. Your attorney can assist with this process.
What If Police Did Not Respond to Your Accident?
If police did not come to the scene — common in minor urban accidents where no injuries are reported — you still have options for creating an official record:
- Most states allow you to file a "driver’s report of accident" with the DMV yourself. This creates an official record even without police involvement.
- In California, the SR-1 form is required when damage exceeds $1,000 or anyone is injured. In Florida, it is the FR-300. Most states have equivalent forms available on their DMV website.
- You can also file an incident report at the nearest police station, even after the fact, though the level of investigation will be minimal.
For the full guide to everything you need after an accident, see our complete accident response guide. To find a car accident attorney in your state, use our free lawyer finder.
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