How to Obtain a Connecticut Crash Report or a More Detailed Accident Report for Your Claim

Short answer: Yes — in Connecticut you can obtain copies of crash reports for use in an insurance claim. You may request (1) the police crash or investigatory report from the law enforcement agency that responded, and (2) the driver/operator report filed with the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) when required by statute. Which report you need, how you get it, timing, and any limits on disclosure depend on the type of report, local agency procedures, and Connecticut law.

Detailed Answer

Types of reports you might want

• Police crash report (incident report): Prepared by the responding police department. Often contains officer observations, diagram, citations, witness names, and preliminary cause statements.
• Operator/driver report filed with DMV: Connecticut law requires drivers involved in certain crashes to file an operator’s report with the DMV. That form records the drivers’ statements about the collision and basic facts about damage and injuries. (See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-112.)
• Investigative file: If a crash prompted a criminal investigation (DUI, reckless driving, hit-and-run), the police agency may keep a larger investigatory file that can be treated differently under state public-records rules.

What the law says (high-level)

Connecticut statutes require filing and handling of accident reports. For example, drivers must file an operator’s report under Connecticut law in certain cases; that requirement and related duties are in the motor vehicle statutes. You can read the statutes and chapter summaries on the Connecticut General Assembly website: Connecticut General Statutes (current). For the driver-report requirement, see Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-112 (search the statute text on the CGA site for exact wording).

Who can request a copy

• Any involved party: Drivers and passengers involved in the crash, and their insurance companies, routinely request copies.
• Third parties: Insurers, attorneys, or other parties with a legitimate interest can request reports. A police agency may require authorization from you or your insurer for delivery of certain records.
• Public access: Many basic crash reports are publicly accessible under Connecticut’s public-records laws, but investigatory materials and certain personal-data elements may be exempt.

How to get each report

1. Police crash/incident report:
   • Contact the records or communications unit of the police department that investigated the crash (city/town police, state police if they responded).
   • Most departments post instructions on their official website. You may be able to request online, by mail, or in person.
   • Expect to provide date, location, names, and a report or incident number if you have it.
   • Fees and turnaround times vary by agency.
2. DMV operator report:
   • If the crash meets the statutory threshold (injury, death, or required property-damage amounts), drivers must submit an operator’s report to the Connecticut DMV. You can contact the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles for forms and instructions: Connecticut DMV.
   • Insurers typically obtain copies from the DMV or the involved driver; DMV procedures determine public access and fees.
3. Investigatory or supplemental materials:
   • If there was a criminal component (e.g., DUI), some investigative records may be withheld or redacted under public-records exemptions. You can ask the police agency what part of the file is available and whether you need to file a formal records request.

Public records and privacy limits

Connecticut’s public-records laws govern access to police records and other government materials. Basic crash reports are often available, but investigatory records, internal memos, or records that would invade personal privacy may be exempt. If the police deny access or produce heavily redacted records, ask for a written explanation citing the statutory exemption. For more on public-records rules, consult the Connecticut Freedom of Information Commission: CT FOI Commission.

Practical timing and what to expect

• Police reports are often ready within a few days to a few weeks after the crash, but timing varies by department workload and whether a detailed investigation is needed.
• DMV reports may take longer to appear in files if drivers submit their operator’s report by mail.
• Insurers frequently obtain reports directly from police departments or ask you to sign an authorization to let them get the record faster.

What to do if you can’t get a report

1. Confirm which agency responded and whether they generated a report. Some very minor incidents might not generate a formal report.
2. Ask the law enforcement records unit for the report number and an explanation if no report exists.
3. Provide your insurer with your own written statement, photos, witness contacts, medical records, and repair estimates while you pursue the official reports.
4. If an agency improperly withholds a public record, you may file a complaint with the CT Freedom of Information Commission or speak with an attorney about next steps.

Helpful Hints

• Request reports early. Start with the responding police department; include crash date, location, names, and any incident number.
• Sign any release your insurer asks for — it often speeds access to DMV and police records.
• Take photos and collect witness names and contact details at the scene; these help if official reports are delayed or incomplete.
• Keep copies of medical records, repair estimates, and receipts — insurers use them with the crash report to process claims.
• If you suspect relevant evidence was withheld or redacted improperly, request the agency’s statutory basis for the redaction in writing, and consider contacting the CT Freedom of Information Commission for guidance: foi.ct.gov.
• When in doubt, consult an attorney experienced in Connecticut motor-vehicle and insurance claims — especially if you face serious injury, dispute, or complex liability questions.

Disclaimer: This article explains general Connecticut procedures for obtaining crash reports and is for informational purposes only. It does not provide legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. For legal advice about a specific crash, records request, or claim, consult a licensed attorney.