Reporting a car accident in Connecticut: police, state report and crash report copies
When to call the police or file your own report, and how to get the crash report.
Short answer
Stop at once and help anyone hurt. Connecticut no longer requires drivers to file their own crash report with the DMV (former § 14-108 is repealed).
- Crash report copies
- Can be ordered online (see below)
- Law
- Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-224(a)
When to call the police in Connecticut
Always stop and help anyone who is hurt. Leaving the scene of a crash is a crime in every state.
- When to call the police
- Stop at once and help anyone hurt. Give your name, address, driver's license number and registration number to anyone hurt, to the owner of damaged property, or to a police officer or witness. If you can't do that (for example, the owner of a parked car isn't there), report the crash right away to a police officer, constable, state police officer or the nearest police station, with the place and circumstances and your details. On a limited-access highway, if only property is damaged and the car can be moved safely, move it off the travel lanes.
- Law
- Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-224(a), (b), (d); § 14-108 (repealed)
- Official text
- Read the official text
Your own report to the state in Connecticut
- Your own report
- Connecticut no longer requires drivers to file their own crash report with the DMV (former § 14-108 is repealed).
How to get a copy of the crash report in Connecticut
- Most State Police crash reports are online at Docview.us.com, usually within 10 business days.
- You can also mail form DPS-96-C 'Request for Copy of Report' with the $16 search fee (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 29-10b, non-refundable) to DESPP, Division of State Police, Reports and Records, 1111 Country Club Road, Middletown, CT 06457 (U.S. mail only; questions: 860-685-8250).
- For a crash handled by a town police department, ask that department.
Connecticut has an online way to get at least some crash reports. Reports written by a city police department or sheriff may have to be requested from that agency; our free request letter can help.
Step by step after a crash in Connecticut
- Stop, help anyone who is hurt and call 911 if needed. Leaving the scene of a crash is a crime.
- Call the police when Connecticut law requires it. Stop at once and help anyone hurt.
- File your own report if the rule applies to you. Connecticut no longer requires drivers to file their own crash report with the DMV (former § 14-108 is repealed).
- Exchange names, licenses, plates and insurance details, and take photos.
- Get a copy of the crash report. Most State Police crash reports are online at Docview.us.com, usually within 10 business days.
- Tell your insurer and keep the report or case number.
Free help in Connecticut
Questions about reporting a crash in Connecticut
When do you have to call the police after a car accident in Connecticut?
Stop at once and help anyone hurt. Give your name, address, driver's license number and registration number to anyone hurt, to the owner of damaged property, or to a police officer or witness. If you can't do that (for example, the owner of a parked car isn't there), report the crash right away to a police officer, constable, state police officer or the nearest police station, with the place and circumstances and your details. On a limited-access highway, if only property is damaged and the car can be moved safely, move it off the travel lanes.
Do I have to file my own accident report in Connecticut?
Connecticut no longer requires drivers to file their own crash report with the DMV (former § 14-108 is repealed).
How do I get a copy of a crash report in Connecticut?
Most State Police crash reports are online at Docview.us.com, usually within 10 business days. You can also mail form DPS-96-C 'Request for Copy of Report' with the $16 search fee (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 29-10b, non-refundable) to DESPP, Division of State Police, Reports and Records, 1111 Country Club Road, Middletown, CT 06457 (U.S. mail only; questions: 860-685-8250). For a crash handled by a town police department, ask that department.
More for Connecticut drivers
- All car accident rules in Connecticut
- Comparative fault
- Uninsured driver
- Deadline to sue
- Accident reporting requirements in every state
- What to do after a car accident
- Fault and payout explainer
- Deadline calculator
- Insurance claim letter
- Police report request letter
Nearby states
Sources and last check
- Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-224(a), (b), (d); § 14-108 (repealed)
- CID: Auto Insurance FAQ
- CID: File a Complaint
- CID: Auto Arbitration Program guide
- CT Judicial Branch: Civil Jury Instructions
- DESPP Reports and Records FAQ
- Conn. Gen. Stat. chapter 925 (§ 52-572h comparative negligence)
- Conn. Gen. Stat. chapter 926 (§ 52-584 limitations)
- Conn. Gen. Stat. chapter 700 (§ 38a-335, § 38a-336 UM/UIM)
- Conn. Gen. Stat. chapter 704 (§ 38a-816 unfair claim practices)
- Conn. Gen. Stat. chapter 53 (§ 4-148 Claims Commissioner)
- Conn. Gen. Stat. chapter 246 (§ 14-108 repealed, § 14-112 limits)
Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.