California: accident reporting rules
When you must report a car accident to police or the state, the damage threshold, and the deadline.
| Report required if there is | Any injury, death, or over $1,000 damage |
|---|---|
| Deadline | 10 days (SR-1 to DMV) |
'Immediately' usually means calling police from the scene. A police report does not always satisfy a separate DMV report. Your insurer also needs prompt notice under your policy.
General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Not affiliated with any government agency. Exceptions can apply. Confirm with the state agency, the court or a licensed professional in California.
Also for California: Car insurance by state in California · Claim deadlines in California · Small claims limits in California · Total loss rules in California · Shared fault rules in California · Lemon law rules in California · Sales tax rates in California · Phone-while-driving laws in California · Motorcycle helmet laws in California · Gas tax in California
How we checked this
Thresholds come from the AAA Digest of Motor Laws as published in a 2026 table, compared with a second insurer table. States where the two differ are marked for review. Last checked: November 12, 2026. Laws change; confirm with the state agency or a licensed professional before acting.
Cross-checked sources agree Checked on official source confirmed on a government, court or legislature site Single detailed source one detailed table built from statutes or official data Under review sources disagree; read the note and the law.