You file only if police didn't
- When
- Injury, death, or more than $500 of damage to any one person's property. Notify police immediately; if a written report is still needed, file it.
- Report to
- Local, county or state police immediately; written report within 10 days
- Deadline
- Within 10 days (written report)
- Form
- Self-Reporting Crash Form (NJDOT)
Official source: NJDOT — Self-Reporting Crash Form
Failing to report can suspend both your driving and registration privileges.
What to do after a car accident in New Jersey
- Stop, check for injuries and call 911 if anyone is hurt. Move to safety if you can.
- Call police if the crash meets New Jersey's rule above — within 10 days (written report).
- 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 (Self-Reporting Crash Form (NJDOT)) with Local, county or state police immediately; written report within 10 days — within 10 days (written report) , if police didn't investigate.
- Notify your insurance company promptly, as your policy requires, and start a claim communication log.
How New Jersey compares with bordering states
Rules change at the state line. What applies is usually the state where the crash happened.
| State | Rule | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | You file only if police didn't | Within 10 days (written report) |
| Delaware | Call police — no driver form | Immediately |
| New York | You must file your own report | Within 10 days |
| Pennsylvania | You file only if police didn't | Within 5 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 New Jersey'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 Jersey?
Sometimes. In New Jersey you file your own report only when police don't: injury, death, or more than $500 of damage to any one person's property. Notify police immediately; if a written report is still needed, file it.
What form do I use to report a crash in New Jersey?
Self-Reporting Crash Form (NJDOT), filed with Local, county or state police immediately; written report within 10 days. Download it from the official source: NJDOT — Self-Reporting Crash Form.
How long do I have to report a car accident in New Jersey?
Within 10 days (written report) — to Local, county or state police immediately; written report within 10 days.
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.