Michigan · Reporting a crash · Updated Oct 2026
Reporting a car accident in Michigan: 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 total property damage looks like $1,000 or more, you must report the crash right away at the nearest police station or to the nearest police officer. No separate driver report to the Secretary of State. The police agency completes the Traffic Crash Report (UD-10) and sends it to the Michigan State Police.
- Damage that requires a report
- $1,000
- Crash report copies
- Can be ordered online (see below)
- Law
- MCL 257.622
When to call the police in Michigan
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 total property damage looks like $1,000 or more, you must report the crash right away at the nearest police station or to the nearest police officer. Michigan State Police says crashes not reported right away may or may not get a report, at the agency's discretion.
- Damage amount
- $1,000
- Law
- MCL 257.622
- Official text
- Read the official text
Your own report to the state in Michigan
- Your own report
- No separate driver report to the Secretary of State. The police agency completes the Traffic Crash Report (UD-10) and sends it to the Michigan State Police.
How to get a copy of the crash report in Michigan
- Michigan traffic crash reports (UD-10) can only be bought online through the Michigan State Police Traffic Crash Purchasing System (TCPS), which now uses a MiLogin account.
- The fee is $15.
- Reports usually reach the system 3-30 days after the crash, depending on the police agency.
- Official info: https://www.michigan.gov/msp/divisions/cjic/traffic-crash-reporting-unit/tcru---frequently-asked-questions
Michigan 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 Michigan
- The Michigan State Police crash report purchasing system (TCPS) moved to MiLogin accounts; the old TCPS site no longer works (MSP FAQ).
Step by step after a crash in Michigan
- Stop, help anyone who is hurt and call 911 if needed. Leaving the scene of a crash is a crime.
- Call the police when Michigan law requires it. If anyone is hurt or killed, or total property damage looks like $1,000 or more, you must report the crash right away at the nearest police station or to the nearest police officer.
- File your own report if the rule applies to you. No separate driver report to the Secretary of State. The police agency completes the Traffic Crash Report (UD-10) and sends it to the Michigan State Police.
- Exchange names, licenses, plates and insurance details, and take photos.
- Get a copy of the crash report. Michigan traffic crash reports (UD-10) can only be bought online through the Michigan State Police Traffic Crash Purchasing System (TCPS), which now uses a MiLogin account.
- Tell your insurer and keep the report or case number.
Free help in Michigan
Questions about reporting a crash in Michigan
When do you have to call the police after a car accident in Michigan?
If anyone is hurt or killed, or total property damage looks like $1,000 or more, you must report the crash right away at the nearest police station or to the nearest police officer. Michigan State Police says crashes not reported right away may or may not get a report, at the agency's discretion.
How much damage has to be reported in Michigan?
If anyone is hurt or killed, or total property damage looks like $1,000 or more, you must report the crash right away at the nearest police station or to the nearest police officer.
Do I have to file my own accident report in Michigan?
No separate driver report to the Secretary of State. The police agency completes the Traffic Crash Report (UD-10) and sends it to the Michigan State Police.
How do I get a copy of a crash report in Michigan?
Michigan traffic crash reports (UD-10) can only be bought online through the Michigan State Police Traffic Crash Purchasing System (TCPS), which now uses a MiLogin account. The fee is $15. Reports usually reach the system 3-30 days after the crash, depending on the police agency. Official info: https://www.michigan.gov/msp/divisions/cjic/traffic-crash-reporting-unit/tcru---frequently-asked-questions
More for Michigan drivers
- All car accident rules in Michigan
- 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
- MCL 257.622
- MCL 500.3009 (liability minimums)
- MCL 500.3102 (penalty for no insurance)
- MCL 500.3107c (PIP medical choices)
- MCL 500.3113 (who cannot get PIP)
- MCL 500.3121 (property protection insurance)
- MCL 500.3135 (tort threshold, mini-tort)
- MCL 500.3142 (PIP overdue, 12% interest)
- MCL 500.3145 (PIP lawsuit deadline)
- MCL 500.2006 (timely payment of claims)
- MCL 600.2959 (comparative fault)
- MCL 600.5805 (3-year limit)
- MCL 600.6431 (claims against the state)
- MCL 691.1404 (defective highway notice)
- DIFS: Choosing Bodily Injury Coverage
- DIFS: Auto insurance FAQ
- DIFS: Auto insurance consumer page
- Michigan State Police: TCRU FAQ
- DIFS: Your Guide to Auto Insurance (FAQ on purchasing auto insurance)
Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.