Maine · Reporting a crash · Updated Oct 2026

Reporting a car accident in Maine: 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

Report the crash right away (State Police, sheriff or city/town police) if it happens on a public way and anyone is hurt or killed or damage looks like $2,000 or more. No separate driver report.

Damage that requires a report: $2,000
Crash report copies: Can be ordered online (see below)
Law: 29-A M.R.S. § 2251

When to call the police in Maine

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: Report the crash right away (State Police, sheriff or city/town police) if it happens on a public way and anyone is hurt or killed or damage looks like $2,000 or more. Damage means the market cost of needed repairs, not just the car's value.
Damage amount: $2,000
Law: 29-A M.R.S. § 2251
Official text: Read the official text

Your own report to the state in Maine

Your own report: No separate driver report. The investigating officer sends the report to the State Police within 5 days, and the State Police forward it to the Secretary of State.

How to get a copy of the crash report in Maine

Order a copy online from the Maine Crash Reporting System (Maine State Police) for $10.
Reports appear after the investigating agency submits them. https://www.maine.gov/online/mcrs/

Maine 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.

Recent changes in Maine

659 changed only who can get data from the State Police crash database (29-A M.R.S. § 2251).

Step by step after a crash in Maine

Stop, help anyone who is hurt and call 911 if needed. Leaving the scene of a crash is a crime.
Call the police when Maine law requires it. Report the crash right away (State Police, sheriff or city/town police) if it happens on a public way and anyone is hurt or killed or damage looks like $2,000 or more.
File your own report if the rule applies to you. No separate driver report.
Exchange names, licenses, plates and insurance details, and take photos.
Get a copy of the crash report. Order a copy online from the Maine Crash Reporting System (Maine State Police) for $10.
Tell your insurer and keep the report or case number.

Free help in Maine

Questions about reporting a crash in Maine

When do you have to call the police after a car accident in Maine?

Report the crash right away (State Police, sheriff or city/town police) if it happens on a public way and anyone is hurt or killed or damage looks like $2,000 or more. Damage means the market cost of needed repairs, not just the car's value.

How much damage has to be reported in Maine?

Report the crash right away (State Police, sheriff or city/town police) if it happens on a public way and anyone is hurt or killed or damage looks like $2,000 or more.

Do I have to file my own accident report in Maine?

No separate driver report. The investigating officer sends the report to the State Police within 5 days, and the State Police forward it to the Secretary of State.

How do I get a copy of a crash report in Maine?

Order a copy online from the Maine Crash Reporting System (Maine State Police) for $10. Reports appear after the investigating agency submits them. https://www.maine.gov/online/mcrs/

More for Maine drivers

Nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.