Wisconsin · Reporting a crash · Updated Oct 2026

Reporting a car accident in Wisconsin: 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

A crash must be reported if anyone is hurt or killed, damage to any one person's vehicle or property is $1,000 or more, or damage to government property (other than vehicles) is $200 or more. If police don't file a report, each driver must complete the Wisconsin Driver Report of Crash (DT4002) with WisDOT, online or on paper.

Damage that requires a report
$1,000
Crash report copies
Can be ordered online (see below)
Law
Wis. Stat. § 346.70(1)

When to call the police in Wisconsin

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
A crash must be reported if anyone is hurt or killed, damage to any one person's vehicle or property is $1,000 or more, or damage to government property (other than vehicles) is $200 or more.
Damage amount
$1,000
Law
Wis. Stat. § 346.70(1); WisDOT, Crash reporting
Official text
Read the official text

Your own report to the state in Wisconsin

Your own report
If police don't file a report, each driver must complete the Wisconsin Driver Report of Crash (DT4002) with WisDOT, online or on paper. You must also complete one if WisDOT sends you a letter asking for it.

How to get a copy of the crash report in Wisconsin

  • Purchase and print crash reports online through WisDOT's crash report site, https://crashreports.wi.gov/ (linked from WisDOT's crash reporting page).

Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin

  1. Stop, help anyone who is hurt and call 911 if needed. Leaving the scene of a crash is a crime.
  2. Call the police when Wisconsin law requires it. A crash must be reported if anyone is hurt or killed, damage to any one person's vehicle or property is $1,000 or more, or damage to government property (other than vehicles) is $200 or more.
  3. File your own report if the rule applies to you. If police don't file a report, each driver must complete the Wisconsin Driver Report of Crash (DT4002) with WisDOT, online or on paper.
  4. Exchange names, licenses, plates and insurance details, and take photos.
  5. Get a copy of the crash report. Purchase and print crash reports online through WisDOT's crash report site, https://crashreports.wi.gov/ (linked from WisDOT's crash reporting page).
  6. Tell your insurer and keep the report or case number.

Free help in Wisconsin

Questions about reporting a crash in Wisconsin

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

A crash must be reported if anyone is hurt or killed, damage to any one person's vehicle or property is $1,000 or more, or damage to government property (other than vehicles) is $200 or more.

How much damage has to be reported in Wisconsin?

A crash must be reported if anyone is hurt or killed, damage to any one person's vehicle or property is $1,000 or more, or damage to government property (other than vehicles) is $200 or more.

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

If police don't file a report, each driver must complete the Wisconsin Driver Report of Crash (DT4002) with WisDOT, online or on paper. You must also complete one if WisDOT sends you a letter asking for it.

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

Purchase and print crash reports online through WisDOT's crash report site, https://crashreports.wi.gov/ (linked from WisDOT's crash reporting page).

More for Wisconsin drivers

Nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.