You file only if police didn't
- When
- Injury, death, or property damage of $1,000 or more. Notify police immediately; if no officer writes a report and damage exceeds $1,000, you must report in writing.
- Report to
- Police immediately; then the Montana Highway Patrol if no officer's report is written
- Deadline
- Written report within 10 days
Official source: Montana DOJ — Crash Records
What to do after a car accident in Montana
- Stop, check for injuries and call 911 if anyone is hurt. Move to safety if you can.
- Call police if the crash meets Montana's rule above — written report 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 with Police immediately; then the Montana Highway Patrol if no officer's report is written — written 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 Montana compares with bordering states
Rules change at the state line. What applies is usually the state where the crash happened.
| State | Rule | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Montana | You file only if police didn't | Written report within 10 days |
| Idaho | Call police — no driver form | Immediately |
| North Dakota | Call police — no driver form | — |
| South Dakota | Confirm with your state | Immediately |
| 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 Montana'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 Montana?
Sometimes. In Montana you file your own report only when police don't: injury, death, or property damage of $1,000 or more. Notify police immediately; if no officer writes a report and damage exceeds $1,000, you must report in writing.
How long do I have to report a car accident in Montana?
Written report within 10 days — to Police immediately; then the Montana Highway Patrol if no officer's report is written.
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.