Idaho · Reporting a crash · Updated Oct 2026
Reporting a car accident in Idaho: 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
If anyone is hurt or killed, or damage to any one person's property is more than $1,500, you must tell the police right away by the fastest way you can. No separate driver report is required by state law.
- Damage that requires a report
- $1,500
- Crash report copies
- Can be ordered online (see below)
- Law
- Idaho Code § 49-1305
When to call the police in Idaho
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
- If anyone is hurt or killed, or damage to any one person's property is more than $1,500, you must tell the police right away by the fastest way you can. Inside a city, call the city police. Outside a city, call the county sheriff or the nearest Idaho State Police office. If the driver can't, a passenger who can must do it.
- Damage amount
- $1,500
- Law
- Idaho Code § 49-1305; § 49-1306
- Official text
- Read the official text
Your own report to the state in Idaho
- Your own report
- No separate driver report is required by state law. The officer who investigates sends a written report to the Idaho Transportation Department within 24 hours after finishing the investigation.
How to get a copy of the crash report in Idaho
- Buy a copy online from the Idaho Transportation Department crash report search (https://apps.itd.idaho.gov/apps/HWY_CrashReports).
- A PDF of one report costs $7.00 plus Idaho.gov transaction fees.
- If you can't find your report, the page lets you send a request to the office.
Idaho 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.
More facts for Idaho
- Officers' crash reports are not privileged or confidential under state law (Idaho Code § 49-1306(2)).
- Police might not come to a crash on private property, such as a parking lot, unless someone is hurt (Idaho Department of Insurance).
Step by step after a crash in Idaho
- Stop, help anyone who is hurt and call 911 if needed. Leaving the scene of a crash is a crime.
- Call the police when Idaho law requires it. If anyone is hurt or killed, or damage to any one person's property is more than $1,500, you must tell the police right away by the fastest way you can.
- File your own report if the rule applies to you. No separate driver report is required by state law.
- Exchange names, licenses, plates and insurance details, and take photos.
- Get a copy of the crash report. Buy a copy online from the Idaho Transportation Department crash report search (https://apps.itd.idaho.gov/apps/HWY_CrashReports).
- Tell your insurer and keep the report or case number.
Free help in Idaho
Questions about reporting a crash in Idaho
When do you have to call the police after a car accident in Idaho?
If anyone is hurt or killed, or damage to any one person's property is more than $1,500, you must tell the police right away by the fastest way you can. Inside a city, call the city police. Outside a city, call the county sheriff or the nearest Idaho State Police office. If the driver can't, a passenger who can must do it.
How much damage has to be reported in Idaho?
If anyone is hurt or killed, or damage to any one person's property is more than $1,500, you must tell the police right away by the fastest way you can.
Do I have to file my own accident report in Idaho?
No separate driver report is required by state law. The officer who investigates sends a written report to the Idaho Transportation Department within 24 hours after finishing the investigation.
How do I get a copy of a crash report in Idaho?
Buy a copy online from the Idaho Transportation Department crash report search (https://apps.itd.idaho.gov/apps/HWY_CrashReports). A PDF of one report costs $7.00 plus Idaho.gov transaction fees. If you can't find your report, the page lets you send a request to the office.
More for Idaho drivers
- All car accident rules in Idaho
- 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
- Idaho Code § 49-1305; § 49-1306
- Idaho Code § 49-1306 (officer written reports)
- Idaho Code § 6-801 (comparative negligence)
- Idaho Code § 5-218 (3-year limits)
- Idaho Code § 5-219 (2-year limits)
- Idaho Code § 49-117 (proof of financial responsibility, 25/50/15)
- Idaho Code § 49-1229 (required insurance)
- Idaho Code § 49-1232 (proof of insurance, penalties)
- Idaho Code § 41-2502 (UM/UIM coverage)
- Idaho Code § 41-1329 (unfair claim settlement practices)
- Idaho Code § 6-906 (claims against local government)
- Idaho Department of Insurance: Auto Claims
- Idaho Transportation Department: Crash Reports
- Idaho Code § 6-905 (claims against the state)
- Idaho Department of Insurance: Required Auto Coverage
Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.