You file only if police didn't
- When
- Total property damage of $1,000 or more, or injury or death, when law enforcement did not investigate.
- Report to
- SCDMV, Financial Responsibility
- Deadline
- Within 15 days
- Form
- FR-309, Traffic Collision Report
Official source: SCDMV — Collision Reports
If SCDMV doesn't receive it in 15 days, your registration and driving privileges can be suspended.
What to do after a car accident in South Carolina
- Stop, check for injuries and call 911 if anyone is hurt. Move to safety if you can.
- Call police if the crash meets South Carolina'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 (FR-309, Traffic Collision Report) with SCDMV, Financial Responsibility — within 15 days , if police didn't investigate.
- Notify your insurance company promptly, as your policy requires, and start a claim communication log.
How South Carolina compares with bordering states
Rules change at the state line. What applies is usually the state where the crash happened.
| State | Rule | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina | You file only if police didn't | Within 15 days |
| Georgia | Call police — no driver form | Immediately |
| North Carolina | 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 South Carolina'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 South Carolina?
Sometimes. In South Carolina you file your own report only when police don't: total property damage of $1,000 or more, or injury or death, when law enforcement did not investigate.
What form do I use to report a crash in South Carolina?
FR-309, Traffic Collision Report, filed with SCDMV, Financial Responsibility. Download it from the official source: SCDMV — Collision Reports.
How long do I have to report a car accident in South Carolina?
Within 15 days — to SCDMV, Financial Responsibility.
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.