You must file your own report
- When
- Injury or death; more than $2,500 of damage to your vehicle, any vehicle, or other property; or any vehicle towed from the scene.
- Report to
- Oregon DMV
- Deadline
- Within 72 hours
- Form
- Oregon Traffic Collision and Insurance Report
Official source: Oregon DMV — Collision Reporting and Responsibilities
File online through DMV2U (fastest) or on paper. DMV must suspend your driving privileges if you don't file when required.
What to do after a car accident in Oregon
- 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 (Oregon Traffic Collision and Insurance Report) with Oregon DMV — within 72 hours .
- Notify your insurance company promptly, as your policy requires, and start a claim communication log.
How Oregon compares with bordering states
Rules change at the state line. What applies is usually the state where the crash happened.
| State | Rule | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon | You must file your own report | Within 72 hours |
| California | You must file your own report | Within 10 days |
| Idaho | Call police — no driver form | Immediately |
| Nevada | You file only if police didn't | Within 10 days |
| Washington | You file only if police didn't | Within 4 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 Oregon'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 Oregon?
Yes. In Oregon you must file your own written crash report when: injury or death; more than $2,500 of damage to your vehicle, any vehicle, or other property; or any vehicle towed from the scene.
What form do I use to report a crash in Oregon?
Oregon Traffic Collision and Insurance Report, filed with Oregon DMV. Download it from the official source: Oregon DMV — Collision Reporting and Responsibilities.
How long do I have to report a car accident in Oregon?
Within 72 hours — to Oregon 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.