If I Am in a Car Accident, is a Police Report Required?

As the owner of an insurance agency, you can imagine I have been exposed to and assisted with many car accidents and car accident claims! 

 One of the top questions I’ve received is regarding a police report with an accident. Are you required to get a police report at the scene of the crime? If you don’t, how does that impact your insurance claim? 

I’ve learned A LOT about the responsibility of the police and sheriff office’s that respond to the scene of a car accident. Here are a few of my observations. 

If you are in an accident that has caused injury or death to anyone, such as a passenger in a vehicle, a pedestrian, or someone on a motorcycle or bike, you must obtain a police report. This is the law. If you are involved in a little fender-bender in a parking lot, with minimal damage and no injuries, you have the option to file an accident report with the police after the fact. 

The biggest misconception I have found is that the officer that arrives on the scene is not there to determine who is at fault in the accident. Actually, they are there primarily to take down statements of those involved or witnesses at the scene. They will also note road and weather conditions, and note if any drivers appear to be impaired. The officer does not place blame or determine liability or fault. The insurance adjusters are tasked to determine these issues and what carrier will be responsible to pay for injuries and physical damage to vehicles and property involved. 

If you are in an accident without injuries and with very limited property damage, here are a couple steps to keep in mind:

1. ALWAYS GET THE OTHER DRIVER(S) INSURANCE INFORMATION at the scene before you leave. 
2. Take pictures and/or videos of the damage to your car and the other car(s) involved in the accident. If there is damage to other property, such as a guardrail, building, etc., document that damage as well. 
3. Contact your insurance agent and find out the best way to take care of the damage to your vehicle.

Remember, you always have the option to have an officer come to the scene and file the report at the time of the accident. 

Here are a couple of links that may assist you with further questions:

1.Kentucky law (KRS 189.635(4)) will provide you with additional details and requirements.

2. The Civilian Collision Report form can be found on the Kentucky State Police website.