You file only if police didn't
- When
- Crashes with apparent damage of at least $500 are reportable. If law enforcement did not write a report and you are eligible, you can file your own.
- Report to
- Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)
- Form
- Driver Report of Traffic Crash (Self Report), HSMV 90011S
Official source: FLHSMV — Traffic Crash Reports
Complete and sign the form and email it to SelfReportCrashes@flhsmv.gov.
What to do after a car accident in Florida
- Stop, check for injuries and call 911 if anyone is hurt. Move to safety if you can.
- Call police if the crash meets Florida's rule above — as soon as you can.
- 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 (Driver Report of Traffic Crash (Self Report), HSMV 90011S) with Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) , if police didn't investigate.
- Notify your insurance company promptly, as your policy requires, and start a claim communication log.
How Florida compares with bordering states
Rules change at the state line. What applies is usually the state where the crash happened.
| State | Rule | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | You file only if police didn't | — |
| Alabama | Only if a driver was uninsured | — |
| Georgia | 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 Florida'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 Florida?
Sometimes. In Florida you file your own report only when police don't: crashes with apparent damage of at least $500 are reportable. If law enforcement did not write a report and you are eligible, you can file your own.
What form do I use to report a crash in Florida?
Driver Report of Traffic Crash (Self Report), HSMV 90011S, filed with Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). Download it from the official source: FLHSMV — Traffic Crash Reports.
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.