You must file your own report
- When
- Injury, death, or more than $1,000 of damage to the property of any one person.
- Report to
- New York DMV
- Deadline
- Within 10 days
- Form
- MV-104, Report of Motor Vehicle Crash
Official source: NY DMV — File a Motorist Crash (Accident) Report
Failing to report within 10 days is a misdemeanor and can lead to suspension or revocation of your license and registration.
What to do after a car accident in New York
- Stop, check for injuries and call 911 if anyone is hurt. Move to safety if you can.
- Call police for any crash with injuries or significant damage. Ask for the report number.
- 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 (MV-104, Report of Motor Vehicle Crash) with New York DMV — within 10 days .
- Notify your insurance company promptly, as your policy requires, and start a claim communication log.
How New York compares with bordering states
Rules change at the state line. What applies is usually the state where the crash happened.
| State | Rule | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| New York | You must file your own report | Within 10 days |
| Connecticut | Confirm with your state | — |
| Massachusetts | You must file your own report | Within 5 days |
| New Jersey | You file only if police didn't | Within 10 days (written report) |
| Pennsylvania | You file only if police didn't | 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 York'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 York?
Yes. In New York you must file your own written crash report when: injury, death, or more than $1,000 of damage to the property of any one person.
What form do I use to report a crash in New York?
MV-104, Report of Motor Vehicle Crash, filed with New York DMV. Download it from the official source: NY DMV — File a Motorist Crash (Accident) Report.
How long do I have to report a car accident in New York?
Within 10 days — to New York DMV.
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.