Optional online report
- When
- Police were not called to the scene.
- Report to
- Colorado Department of Revenue (online crash reporting system)
- Form
- Online crash report ("counter report")
Official source: Colorado DMV — Report a Crash and Obtain a Crash Record
A report you file online is not investigated by police and is kept for record purposes only. Copies can be released only with the filer's written consent (form DR 2559).
What to do after a car accident in Colorado
- 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.
- Keep the police report number — your insurer will ask for it.
- Notify your insurance company promptly, as your policy requires, and start a claim communication log.
How Colorado compares with bordering states
Rules change at the state line. What applies is usually the state where the crash happened.
| State | Rule | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado | Optional online report | — |
| Arizona | Call police — no driver form | Immediately |
| Kansas | Call police — no driver form | — |
| Nebraska | You file only if police didn't | Within 10 days |
| New Mexico | Confirm with your state | — |
| Oklahoma | Call police — no driver form | Immediately (injury or death) |
| Utah | Only if the state asks | Within 10 days after DPS requests it |
| Wyoming | Call police — no driver form | Immediately |
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 Colorado'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 Colorado?
Not required, but you can. Colorado lets you file an online report when police were not called.
What form do I use to report a crash in Colorado?
Online crash report ("counter report"), filed with Colorado Department of Revenue (online crash reporting system). Download it from the official source: Colorado DMV — Report a Crash and Obtain a Crash Record.
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.