Whether your crash was minor or serious, one of the first questions people ask is: Do I need to file a police report? In Michigan, the answer depends on the circumstances, but skipping this step could impact your insurance claim or even violate state law. This guide explains when a police report is required, how it affects liability and compensation, and what to do if you didn’t call the police at the scene. If you’re unsure about your rights or how to protect your case, we’ll break it all down clearly below.
Michigan Law Requirements for Filing a Police Report
Under Michigan law, you’re required to report certain types of car accidents to the police. This includes any crash involving injuries, deaths, or property damage exceeding $1,000. Failing to report these types of accidents can lead to legal penalties and create issues with insurance coverage. Even when not legally required, filing a report is often still in your best interest, especially if the other driver is at fault or there’s a potential for hidden injuries or vehicle damage.
| 🚗 Crash Scenario | 📝 Report Required? | 📅 Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Accident involving injury or death | ✅ Yes | Immediately |
| Property damage over $1,000 | ✅ Yes | Immediately |
| No injuries, minor visible damage | ❌ Not required | N/A |
| Hit-and-run accident | ✅ Yes | As soon as possible |
| Accident on private property | ❌ Often optional | N/A (unless serious) |
Consequences of Not Filing a Police Report
Failing to file a police report after a Michigan car accident can have serious consequences, both legally and when dealing with insurance. If the crash involved injury, death, or significant property damage and you didn’t report it, you could face fines or even misdemeanor charges under Michigan law.
From an insurance perspective, not having a police report can make it much harder to prove what happened. Without official documentation, it often becomes a case of your word against the other driver’s. This can delay your claim, reduce your settlement offer, or lead to a denial altogether especially if the other driver changes their story or disputes fault.
In short, even if the accident seems minor at first, not filing a report could cost you later.
How to File a Police Report After a Michigan Car Accident
Filing a police report is usually straightforward, and it’s one of the best steps you can take to protect yourself after a crash. If officers respond to the scene, they’ll typically complete a report automatically. But if they don’t, it’s your responsibility to make sure one gets filed either by visiting the nearest police department or contacting Michigan State Police for a UD-10 crash report. If the accident involved minor damage and no injuries, you may be able to report it later, but the sooner the better. Waiting too long can raise red flags with insurers and make it harder to prove what really happened. There are a few different ways to report an accident depending on where it happened and whether police responded at the scene. Here’s a quick breakdown of your options:
| 🏢 Reporting Method | 📍 Who to Contact | 🕒 When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| At the scene of the accident | Local police or county sheriff | For any emergency or injury-related crash |
| After leaving the scene | Nearest police department | For minor damage if no officers responded |
| Michigan State Police (UD-10) | Statewide reporting via MSP | For formal record or insurance purposes |
| Online form (if allowed) | Some departments offer digital filing | For simple, property-only accidents |
Can You File an Insurance Claim Without a Police Report?
Yes, it’s possible to file an insurance claim without a police report in Michigan, but it may not always be easy. For simple property damage or minor injuries, some insurers will still process a claim based on photos, witness statements, or vehicle damage alone. However, without a police report, the burden of proof is often heavier especially if the other driver denies fault or if there’s limited physical evidence.
A police report acts as neutral, third-party documentation of what happened. It helps establish key facts: who was involved, what was said at the scene, and whether any citations were issued. While it’s not required in every case, it can be the difference between a smooth settlement and a disputed claim.
To help you understand where it matters most, here’s a breakdown:
| 🔍 Claim Type | 📁 Police Report Needed? | 💬 Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle damage only | ❌ Sometimes optional | Depends on insurer’s internal policy |
| Minor soft tissue injuries | ❌ Often optional | Can still support with medical records |
| Major injury or hospitalization | ✅ Strongly recommended | Supports liability and damages |
| Hit-and-run crash | ✅ Almost always required | Needed for uninsured motorist claims |
| Disputed fault situations | ✅ Critical | Strong evidence for liability disputes |
How a Police Report Affects Fault and Insurance Disputes
In Michigan, police reports play a big role in how fault is assigned and how insurance companies handle claims. While the report itself isn’t the final word on liability, it often includes key facts that shape the outcome of a case, like who was cited, whether any witnesses were identified, and what each driver said at the scene. Here’s how a police report can influence your case:
- Fault Determination: Insurers often rely on officer observations and citations to assign initial fault.
- Insurance Negotiations: A report gives adjusters something objective to review, especially if drivers give conflicting stories.
- Claim Denials: If there’s no report and the other party disputes the facts, your claim may be delayed or rejected.
- Legal Leverage: While not always admissible in court, a report still provides leverage during settlement talks or pre-litigation negotiations.
For crashes involving injury, hit-and-run drivers, or conflicting stories, having a police report can mean the difference between a denied claim and a full payout.
When to Contact a Lawyer About a Michigan Crash Without a Report
If you were in a crash and didn’t get a police report or weren’t sure you needed one, it’s not too late to protect your rights. In fact, accidents without reports are some of the most likely to lead to disputes, especially when fault is contested or injuries appear days later. You should speak with a car accident lawyer if:
- The other driver is blaming you or lying about what happened
- You’ve started getting calls from the insurance adjuster
- You were injured but didn’t call the police at the scene
- The crash involved a hit-and-run or an uninsured driver
- Your claim was denied or delayed due to lack of a report
An experienced attorney can help you gather alternative evidence such as medical records, witness statements, dashcam footage, or photos and still build a strong case, even without a report on file.
Talk to a Michigan Car Accident Lawyer About Your Crash
If you were hurt in a crash and aren’t sure how to move forward, our auto accident attorneys in Michigan can help you understand your rights and protect your claim. Whether you filed a police report or not, you still have legal rights after a car accident in Michigan. At The Clark Law Office, we understand how confusing the aftermath of a crash can be and we’re here to help you through every step. We don’t pass your case off to associates or treat you like a number. You’ll get personal, one-on-one legal guidance from an experienced attorney who knows how to deal with insurance companies and build strong cases, even without a police report. Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your legal options, and help you take the next step toward compensation.
Want to learn more about how Michigan’s car accident laws work? Explore our full Car Accident Laws & Legal Process Hub.
Frequently Asked Questions About Police Reports After Michigan Car Accidents
Do I always need to file a police report after a car accident in Michigan?
Not always. You’re legally required to file a report if there’s an injury, death, or property damage over $1,000. For minor accidents without injuries, a report isn’t required—but it’s still a good idea for documentation and insurance purposes.
What happens if I don’t file a police report?
If you’re legally required to report the crash and don’t, you could face penalties, including a misdemeanor charge. From an insurance standpoint, not having a report could make it harder to prove fault and recover damages.
Can I file an insurance claim without a police report?
Yes, but it may be more difficult. While some insurers will process claims without a report, you may need additional evidence to prove what happened—especially if the other driver disputes fault.
How do I file a police report after leaving the scene?
You can visit the local police department or contact the Michigan State Police to complete a UD-10 crash report. Some departments also offer online forms for minor, non-injury crashes.
Will a police report prove who was at fault?
Not by itself. Police reports carry weight with insurance companies, but they’re not legally binding. Officers may include their opinion, but fault is ultimately determined by insurers—or, if necessary, the courts.