The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) maintains accurate records of everything motor vehicle-related within their jurisdiction, including changes of vehicle ownership, license information, and reports of car accidents.
Some states require motorists involved in accidents to report every accident, while others require it after a certain dollar amount of property damage. Some people think that their police report is enough documentation for government regulations, but it’s often not the case. The police department may not file your incident with the proper organizations or wait too long, which can land you in legal trouble.
It’s recommended that anyone involved in a car accident confirm the DMV’s receipt of their police report to ensure they’re on the right side of the law. Continue reading for more information about the process and some frequently asked questions.