Tennessee · Reporting a crash · Updated Oct 2026

Reporting a car accident in Tennessee: 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 the scene. If the crash caused death or injury, more than $1,500 in property damage, or more than $400 in damage to state or local government property, the owner or driver must file an Owner Operator Report with the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security within 20 days.

Damage that requires a report: $1,500
Your own report is due within: 20 days
Crash report copies: Can be ordered online (see below)

When to call the police in Tennessee

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 the scene. Call 911 if anyone is hurt. The state driver manual says you must immediately notify the local police (inside a city), otherwise the county sheriff or the nearest Tennessee Highway Patrol office, of any crash with death, injury or property damage over $50. If the driver can't, a passenger who can must do it. If you hit an unattended vehicle and can't find the owner, report it to police.
Damage amount: $1,500
Law: Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Owner Operator Report page (current $1,500 / $400 thresholds); TN Comprehensive Driver License Manual (info as of July 1, 2022), 'Reporting Crashes' (police notice, $50)
Official text: Read the official text

Your own report to the state in Tennessee

Your own report: If the crash caused death or injury, more than $1,500 in property damage, or more than $400 in damage to state or local government property, the owner or driver must file an Owner Operator Report with the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security within 20 days. This is required whoever was at fault and even if an officer also filed a report. File online through e-Services or by mail to P.O. Box 945, Nashville, TN 37202. Not filing can lead to suspension of your license and registration.
Deadline for your report: 20 days

How to get a copy of the crash report in Tennessee

Buy a crash report online for $10.00 (credit card; no prepaid cards) through the Tennessee Highway Patrol crash report page.
You need the last name, crash date, reporting agency, driver's license number, and the VIN, plate, case or tracking number.
If the Highway Patrol investigated, you can also buy it for $4.00 at a THP District Office, in person or by mail, about 7 days after the crash.
For city police or sheriff reports, ask that agency.

Tennessee 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 Tennessee

The Owner Operator Report is due within 20 days even if police already made a report and even if you weren't at fault (TN Dept. of Safety and Homeland Security).

Step by step after a crash in Tennessee

Stop, help anyone who is hurt and call 911 if needed. Leaving the scene of a crash is a crime.
Call the police when Tennessee law requires it. Stop at the scene.
File your own report if the rule applies to you. If the crash caused death or injury, more than $1,500 in property damage, or more than $400 in damage to state or local government property, the owner or driver must file an Owner Operator Report with the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security within 20 days.
Exchange names, licenses, plates and insurance details, and take photos.
Get a copy of the crash report. Buy a crash report online for $10.00 (credit card; no prepaid cards) through the Tennessee Highway Patrol crash report page.
Tell your insurer and keep the report or case number.

Free help in Tennessee

Questions about reporting a crash in Tennessee

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

Stop at the scene. Call 911 if anyone is hurt. The state driver manual says you must immediately notify the local police (inside a city), otherwise the county sheriff or the nearest Tennessee Highway Patrol office, of any crash with death, injury or property damage over $50. If the driver can't, a passenger who can must do it. If you hit an unattended vehicle and can't find the owner, report it to police.

How much damage has to be reported in Tennessee?

The state driver manual says you must immediately notify the local police (inside a city), otherwise the county sheriff or the nearest Tennessee Highway Patrol office, of any crash with death, injury or property damage over $50. If the crash caused death or injury, more than $1,500 in property damage, or more than $400 in damage to state or local government property, the owner or driver must file an Owner Operator Report with the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security within 20 days.

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

If the crash caused death or injury, more than $1,500 in property damage, or more than $400 in damage to state or local government property, the owner or driver must file an Owner Operator Report with the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security within 20 days. This is required whoever was at fault and even if an officer also filed a report. File online through e-Services or by mail to P.O. Box 945, Nashville, TN 37202. Not filing can lead to suspension of your license and registration.

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

Buy a crash report online for $10.00 (credit card; no prepaid cards) through the Tennessee Highway Patrol crash report page. You need the last name, crash date, reporting agency, driver's license number, and the VIN, plate, case or tracking number. If the Highway Patrol investigated, you can also buy it for $4.00 at a THP District Office, in person or by mail, about 7 days after the crash. For city police or sheriff reports, ask that agency.

What is the deadline for an accident report in Tennessee?

More for Tennessee drivers

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Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.