You file only if police didn't
- When
- Injury, or combined damage over $1,000, when police did not investigate.
- Report to
- New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles
- Deadline
- Within 15 days
- Form
- Operator's Report (DSMV 400)
Official source: NH DMV — Accident Reports
What to do after a car accident in New Hampshire
- Stop, check for injuries and call 911 if anyone is hurt. Move to safety if you can.
- Call police if the crash meets New Hampshire's rule above — within 15 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 (Operator's Report (DSMV 400)) with New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles — within 15 days , if police didn't investigate.
- Notify your insurance company promptly, as your policy requires, and start a claim communication log.
How New Hampshire compares with bordering states
Rules change at the state line. What applies is usually the state where the crash happened.
| State | Rule | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | You file only if police didn't | Within 15 days |
| Maine | Call police — no driver form | Immediately |
| Massachusetts | You must file your own report | Within 5 days |
| Vermont | 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 New Hampshire'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 New Hampshire?
Sometimes. In New Hampshire you file your own report only when police don't: injury, or combined damage over $1,000, when police did not investigate.
What form do I use to report a crash in New Hampshire?
Operator's Report (DSMV 400), filed with New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles. Download it from the official source: NH DMV — Accident Reports.
How long do I have to report a car accident in New Hampshire?
Within 15 days — to New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles.
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.