You must file your own report
- When
- Anyone injured (however minor) or killed, or property damage over $1,000.
- Report to
- California DMV
- Deadline
- Within 10 days
- Form
- SR-1, Report of Traffic Accident Occurring in California
Official source: California DMV — Accident Reporting (SR-1)
Required in addition to any police, CHP, or insurance report. You, your insurance agent, broker, or legal representative can file it, including online. DMV can suspend your license for not filing.
What to do after a car accident in California
- Stop, check for injuries and call 911 if anyone is hurt. Move to safety if you can.
- Call police for any crash with injuries or significant damage. Ask for the report number.
- Exchange names, contact, license, plate and insurance details with every driver involved. Use our accident information worksheet.
- Photograph every vehicle, the plates, the damage and the scene, and get witnesses' names and numbers.
- File your own report (SR-1, Report of Traffic Accident Occurring in California) with California DMV — within 10 days .
- Notify your insurance company promptly, as your policy requires, and start a claim communication log.
How California compares with bordering states
Rules change at the state line. What applies is usually the state where the crash happened.
| State | Rule | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| California | You must file your own report | Within 10 days |
| Arizona | Call police — no driver form | Immediately |
| Nevada | You file only if police didn't | Within 10 days |
| Oregon | You must file your own report | Within 72 hours |
If your car was totaled or damaged
Reporting the crash is only the first step. If your insurer says the car is a total loss, check California's total-loss threshold and run the offer through the Total-Loss Offer Audit. If it was repaired, you may have a diminished-value claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to report a car accident in California?
Yes. In California you must file your own written crash report when: anyone injured (however minor) or killed, or property damage over $1,000.
What form do I use to report a crash in California?
SR-1, Report of Traffic Accident Occurring in California, filed with California DMV. Download it from the official source: California DMV — Accident Reporting (SR-1).
How long do I have to report a car accident in California?
Within 10 days — to California DMV.
Does reporting the crash to the state start my insurance claim?
No. A police or state crash report and an insurance claim are separate. Notify your own insurer promptly as your policy requires, and file a claim with the at-fault driver's insurer if someone else caused the crash.