When you’re in a car accident, your first thought usually isn’t about paperwork. You’re shaken, your car’s damaged, and you just want to make sure everyone’s okay. But once the dust settles, one question comes up fast: How long do I have to report this?
The truth is, timing can make or break your case. The longer you wait to report an accident, whether to the police, the state, or your insurance company, the harder it becomes to prove what really happened and get the compensation you deserve.
Let’s break down what Florida law requires, what your insurance expects, and why reporting quickly protects both your health and your rights.
When and How Long Do You Have To Report An Accident
If you’re in a car accident in Florida, the safest rule is that you should report it right away.
Whether it’s a serious crash or a small fender bender, calling the police ensures there’s an official record of what happened. Ideally, officers come to the scene, take statements, and file the report immediately.
When You Have To Report An Accident
Under Florida Statute §316.066, law enforcement must complete and file a Florida Traffic Crash Report (Long Form) within 10 days after investigating any crash that involves one or more of the following:
Death or injury, including any complaint of pain or discomfort
- A driver who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- A driver who leaves the scene (hit-and-run)
- A vehicle that is too damaged to drive and needs to be towed
- A commercial motor vehicle, such as a delivery truck or tractor-trailer
When these factors are present, a formal crash report is mandatory. The investigating officer collects driver and witness information, vehicle descriptions, insurance details, and scene observations, which are essential evidence if you pursue an injury claim.
If the crash doesn’t meet these criteria, the officer may instead file a Short-Form Crash Report or provide both drivers with a Driver Exchange Form. Both types must still be submitted to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) within 10 days.
If police aren’t called or can’t respond, you should still contact your local police department and file a report as soon as possible. Even if you think the accident is minor, it’s almost always better to call the police. Having that report on file often is the first piece of evidence your attorney uses to prove how the crash occurred.
Florida law makes a few exceptions for truly minor incidents.
When You Don’t Have to Report an Accident
Not every bump in traffic requires a police report. If no one is hurt, no laws were broken, and the property damage is truly minor, you’re not legally required to call law enforcement, such as:
- A parking lot scrape or door ding
- A low-speed fender bender where both vehicles are still drivable
- A single-vehicle incident on private property with no damage or injuries
Even so, we strongly recommend documenting everything. Take photos, exchange contact and insurance information, and write down the date, time, and location. A short call or quick visit to your local police department can prevent far bigger problems later.
Still, many drivers skip the report, thinking it’s unnecessary, and later find out that the decision can cost them. Here’s what happens if you didn’t report your crash.
What If You Did Not Report a Crash?
Maybe you didn’t call the police because the accident seemed minor. Maybe you thought you could handle it privately or you just didn’t want your insurance rates to go up. It happens, but if you haven’t reported the crash yet, you still have options.
- You Can Still File a Late Report
If law enforcement never came to the scene, Florida law (§316.066(1)(e)) gives you 10 days from the date of the crash to file a written report yourself. You can do this online through FloridaCrashPortal.gov or in person at your local police department. Even if it’s past that 10-day window, it’s still worth filing, especially if injuries or vehicle issues show up later. Many agencies accept delayed reports and will note the reason for the delay. - You Might Face a Noncriminal Infraction
Failing to file a required crash report is considered a noncriminal traffic infraction under Florida Statute §316.066. That means you won’t face criminal charges or jail time, but you could receive a citation or fine.
While that’s inconvenient, the bigger problem is what happens with your insurance claim. - Insurance Companies Can Use the Delay Against You
When there’s no official crash report, your insurance company has room to question who caused the accident to whether your injuries are real. Adjusters may argue that:- The damage came from a different event.
- The other driver wasn’t actually involved.
- You didn’t meet your policy’s requirement to report “promptly.”
These arguments can lead to delayed, reduced, or even denied payouts. Having a late-filed report is still far better than having none at all.
- Your Attorney Can Still Help
If you didn’t report right away, don’t panic. Your attorney can:- Contact the proper law enforcement agency and help you file a delayed report.
- Gather other forms of evidence (photos, witness statements, repair invoices, medical records) to prove the crash occurred.
- Communicate with your insurance company to ensure the delay doesn’t jeopardize your claim.
If you’re unsure whether your crash qualifies, call your local law enforcement agency or the Florida Highway Patrol. They can confirm whether you need to file and help you submit it properly.
Later, you’ll need a report for your insurance claim or any future legal action.
Accessing the Police Report
If you need a copy before those 60 days are up, you’ll need to verify your identity and connection to the crash. The easiest way is through FloridaCrashPortal. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Your driver’s license number or ID
- The date and location of the crash
- The report number, if you have it
- A $10 fee, plus a small processing charge
Once verified, you can download your report immediately as a PDF. You can also request it in person from the law enforcement agency that filed it, like your city’s police department or the Florida Highway Patrol.
After 60 days, the report becomes public record, but your personal details, such as your address or driver’s license number, remain protected from public view.
Your attorney will usually obtain a certified copy early in your case, as this document lays the foundation for your claim and insurance negotiations. That brings us to your second reporting obligation: notifying your insurer.
Reporting the Accident to Your Insurance Company
Even with a police report on file, you still have to notify your insurance provider. Most policies require you to report an accident “promptly” or “within a reasonable time,” which typically means within 24 hours or a few days. Waiting too long can lead to serious problems. Insurance companies may argue that:
- Your vehicle damage came from another incident
- Your injuries aren’t related to this crash
- They didn’t have the chance to inspect or investigate properly
Even if you’re planning to pay for repairs yourself, always report the crash. If the other driver later files a claim or alleges injuries, your insurer might refuse coverage because you never notified them.
How a Police Report Helps Your Claim
A crash report is the backbone of your case. It provides an official, third-party account of what happened and supports your claim every step of the way. It has clear functions throughout the entire car accident claim process:
- Establishing Liability
The report often includes the officer’s notes about who appeared to cause the crash and whether any laws were broken. That’s vital for proving fault in a personal injury claim. - Supporting Your Injury Claim
Your lawyer can use the date, time, and details in the report to connect your injuries directly to the crash, especially if you sought medical care right away. - Strengthening Negotiations
Insurance adjusters rely on facts. A police report gives your attorney leverage during settlement talks and prevents insurers from rewriting what happened. - Clarifying Property Damage
The report details the type of impact, vehicle positions, and visible damage. That helps your attorney prove repair costs or total loss value. - Preparing for Litigation
If your case goes to court, the report guides accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and witnesses to ensure every detail is consistent and documented.
When insurance companies question your claim, that single document can turn a denial into a fair settlement. That’s why we always tell clients: never skip the report. It’s your strongest evidence from day one. But making sure the report is used effectively, and that insurers don’t twist the facts, is where having the right lawyer truly matters.
We Can Help You File, Report, and Protect Your Claim
Delays, missing reports, or wrong statements can cost you the compensation you’re entitled to. At Steinger, Greene & Feiner, we make sure every step from reporting to filing your claim is done correctly and on time. We helped thousands of car accident victims in West Palm Beach, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Fort Myers, Port St. Lucie, and across the state to get a fair compensation.
If you’re unsure how long you have to report an accident or whether you still can, don’t guess. Call us today. We’ll help you get your report filed, gather the right documentation, and fight the insurance company to get you what you deserve.