You file only if police didn't
- When
- Injury or death; $1,000 or more of damage to any one person's property; or $200 or more of damage to government property (other than a government vehicle).
- Report to
- Wisconsin Department of Transportation
- Deadline
- Within 10 days
- Form
- Driver Report of Crash (DT4002)
Official source: WisDOT — Driver Report of Crash FAQ
What to do after a car accident in Wisconsin
- Stop, check for injuries and call 911 if anyone is hurt. Move to safety if you can.
- Call police if the crash meets Wisconsin's rule above — within 10 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 (Driver Report of Crash (DT4002)) with Wisconsin Department of Transportation — within 10 days , if police didn't investigate.
- Notify your insurance company promptly, as your policy requires, and start a claim communication log.
How Wisconsin compares with bordering states
Rules change at the state line. What applies is usually the state where the crash happened.
| State | Rule | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | You file only if police didn't | Within 10 days |
| Illinois | You file only if police didn't | Within 10 days |
| Iowa | You file only if police didn't | Within 72 hours |
| Michigan | Call police — no driver form | Immediately |
| Minnesota | No driver form accepted | — |
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 Wisconsin'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 Wisconsin?
Sometimes. In Wisconsin you file your own report only when police don't: injury or death; $1,000 or more of damage to any one person's property; or $200 or more of damage to government property (other than a government vehicle).
What form do I use to report a crash in Wisconsin?
Driver Report of Crash (DT4002), filed with Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Download it from the official source: WisDOT — Driver Report of Crash FAQ.
How long do I have to report a car accident in Wisconsin?
Within 10 days — to Wisconsin Department of Transportation.
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.