Detailed answer — what records exist and who can get them

After a motor-vehicle collision in Vermont, several types of records may be created. Knowing the difference helps you request the right item for your insurance claim or legal case.

• Crash (motor vehicle) report: A standardized report created or submitted after a crash. Agencies commonly share a one- or two-page summary with facts such as date/time, parties, vehicles involved, apparent injuries, and a diagram. Insurance companies routinely use this for claims.
• Police incident report or narrative: A longer narrative written by the responding officer. It may include witness statements, officer observations, citations issued, and initial fault opinions. This is often more detailed than the standardized crash form.
• Supplemental materials: Photographs, scene diagrams, tow records, 911 audio, police body‑cam or cruiser video, and forensic measurements. These are retained by the investigating agency and may require special steps to access.

Who can get these records?

• Generally, crash reports and police reports are public records in Vermont. The agency that created the report (Vermont State Police or a local municipal police or sheriff’s office) handles requests. Insurance companies usually receive copies directly.
• Some materials may be withheld or redacted for privacy, for ongoing criminal investigations, or where the law restricts disclosure (for example, medical or certain personal identifiers).

Key Vermont government pages to contact:

• Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles: https://dmv.vermont.gov/ (for driver and crash-record procedures)
• Vermont State Police records & services: https://vsp.vermont.gov/
• Vermont statutes and public records information: https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes

How to request a crash report or more detailed records — step by step

1. Identify the investigating agency. Determine who responded (Vermont State Police, municipal police, or sheriff). The police report header will show the agency and report number. If you do not have it, call the town police or the Vermont State Police barracks that covers the crash location.
2. Gather basic information to speed the request. Have the crash date, time, location, names of drivers, and the report number if you have it.
3. Request through the right channel. Many police agencies let you request crash reports online, by mail, or in person. The DMV may also have a process for obtaining certified crash reports used for licensing and administrative purposes. If an online portal exists, it is usually the fastest route.
4. Expect small fees and ID requirements. Agencies commonly charge a copying or processing fee and ask for a photo ID. Fees and methods of payment vary by office.
5. Ask specifically for supplemental records. If you need photos, 911 audio, or video, request those items explicitly. Agencies sometimes treat those differently from the basic crash report and may respond to such requests under Vermont’s public‑records procedures.
6. If the record is withheld or partially redacted: Ask the agency in writing to explain the reason and cite the legal basis. If they cite an exemption for ongoing investigations or privacy, you can challenge that decision with a formal public records appeal or obtain the material through discovery if you later bring a lawsuit.
7. If you need records for a lawsuit: Your attorney can issue subpoenas or requests for production during the litigation process to obtain withheld material (including unredacted narratives, photographs, or bodycam video). Time is important because some electronic evidence (dashcam or video) may be retained only for a limited time.

Timing, retention, and preservation

Act quickly. Agencies may retain video and photographic evidence for only weeks or months depending on storage policies. If you expect litigation or the evidence looks likely to disappear, consider asking the investigating agency to preserve the evidence and contact an attorney who can issue a preservation letter or a preservation subpoena.

Typical timelines:

• Crash report delivery: Often available within days to a few weeks after the incident.
• Officer narratives and supplemental materials: May take longer and sometimes require a formal public-records request.
• Subpoena/Discovery in litigation: Produces records under court deadlines; useful when the agency denies a public records request.

Common reasons you may not get everything you asked for

• Ongoing criminal investigations — the agency may withhold or delay release.
• Privacy concerns — personal data (Social Security numbers, medical details) is commonly redacted.
• Record retention limits — older video files or temporary evidence might already be deleted.
• Different offices maintain different records — the DMV may have a crash summary while the police keep the narrative, photos, and video.

Practical steps for an insurance claim or legal case

1. Tell your insurer about the crash as soon as possible; they will often get a copy directly from police or a central records system.
2. Request and save the crash report and any police narrative for your file.
3. Collect your own evidence at the scene if possible: photos, witness names, and contact info, vehicle damage photos, and any video from bystanders or dashcams.
4. If you intend to sue or if the insurer denies coverage, consult a lawyer early so they can preserve evidence and file appropriate discovery requests or subpoenas.

Helpful Hints

• Ask for the report number at the scene or from the responding officer; it makes requests faster.
• Begin requests with the investigating agency (municipal police, sheriff, or Vermont State Police). If unsure, call the non-emergency number for the town where the crash occurred.
• Keep copies of all correspondence and receipts when you request records.
• If an agency denies a record request, ask for a written explanation and the statutory basis. You can file a formal public-records appeal or consult an attorney about court process to compel disclosure.
• Don’t delay: request preservation for video or electronic evidence immediately if you suspect you will need it for a claim.
• Insurance adjusters receive reports quickly; if you want the same information, request the crash report as soon as you can.
• When in doubt, consult an attorney experienced with motor-vehicle claims in Vermont — they can guide preservation, subpoena, and discovery steps.