Only if the state asks
- When
- Injury, death, or total property damage of $2,500 or more makes a crash reportable.
- Report to
- Utah Department of Public Safety
- Deadline
- Within 10 days after DPS requests it
Official source: Utah Code § 41-6a-402
What to do after a car accident in Utah
- 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.
- Keep the police report number — your insurer will ask for it.
- Notify your insurance company promptly, as your policy requires, and start a claim communication log.
How Utah compares with bordering states
Rules change at the state line. What applies is usually the state where the crash happened.
| State | Rule | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Utah | Only if the state asks | Within 10 days after DPS requests it |
| Arizona | Call police — no driver form | Immediately |
| Colorado | Optional online report | — |
| Idaho | Call police — no driver form | Immediately |
| Nevada | You file only if police didn't | Within 10 days |
| New Mexico | Confirm with your state | — |
| Wyoming | 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 Utah'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 Utah?
Only if the state asks. Injury, death, or total property damage of $2,500 or more makes a crash reportable.
How long do I have to report a car accident in Utah?
Within 10 days after DPS requests it — to Utah Department of Public Safety.
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.