You file only if police didn't
- When
- Police did not come to the scene and damage is over $1,500 (all drivers insured) or over $500 (any driver uninsured), or anyone was injured.
- Report to
- Illinois State Police / IDOT (Illinois Motorist Report)
- Deadline
- Within 10 days
- Form
- Illinois Motorist Report
Official source: IDOT — Crash Reports
What to do after a car accident in Illinois
- Stop, check for injuries and call 911 if anyone is hurt. Move to safety if you can.
- Call police if the crash meets Illinois's rule above — within 10 days.
- 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 (Illinois Motorist Report) with Illinois State Police / IDOT (Illinois Motorist Report) — within 10 days , if police didn't investigate.
- Notify your insurance company promptly, as your policy requires, and start a claim communication log.
How Illinois compares with bordering states
Rules change at the state line. What applies is usually the state where the crash happened.
| State | Rule | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | You file only if police didn't | Within 10 days |
| Indiana | You must file your own report | Within 10 days |
| Iowa | You file only if police didn't | Within 72 hours |
| Kentucky | You file only if police didn't | Within 10 days |
| Missouri | Only if a driver was uninsured | Within 30 days |
| Wisconsin | You file only if police didn't | Within 10 days |
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 Illinois'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 Illinois?
Sometimes. In Illinois you file your own report only when police don't: police did not come to the scene and damage is over $1,500 (all drivers insured) or over $500 (any driver uninsured), or anyone was injured.
What form do I use to report a crash in Illinois?
Illinois Motorist Report, filed with Illinois State Police / IDOT (Illinois Motorist Report). Download it from the official source: IDOT — Crash Reports.
How long do I have to report a car accident in Illinois?
Within 10 days — to Illinois State Police / IDOT (Illinois Motorist Report).
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.