Get Your NYPD Crash Report (Step-by-Step)

How to Get Your NYPD Accident Report

If you were in a car or truck accident in NYC, the police report is one of the most important documents you’ll need. It helps prove where the crash happened, who was involved, and what the officer observed. Here’s how to get it.

Why Do You Need the Report?

Insurance companies use it to decide fault. Doctors and legal teams use it to verify the timing and location. If you don’t have it, the insurance company may delay or deny your claim. But you don’t need to wait on it to get help — we can still open your case while you’re requesting it.

Option 1: We Can Get the Report for You

If you’re working with us, we’ll handle the process of obtaining your NYPD accident report. You won’t need to track anything down yourself. Once we confirm the basic info — date, time, location — our office will retrieve the report directly from the police system at no cost to you. This is part of how we make the process less stressful for our clients.

Option 2: Go to the NYPD Precinct in Person

If you’d rather get your report directly from the precinct, you can go in person during regular business hours. You’ll need:

• Valid ID (license or other official identification)
• The accident report number, if you have it
• If you don’t have the number: the date, time, and location of the crash
• If possible, the license plate (tag number) of one of the vehicles

Find the right location using the official NYPD Precinct Directory.

Option 3: Get It Online from CrashDocs

• Step 1: Wait at least 7 days after the crash — it takes time for the report to be uploaded.
• Step 2: Go to CrashDocs.org
• Step 3: Select “New York” and choose “NYPD” from the list of agencies
• Step 4: Enter the report number (if you have it), or your name + date + location
• Step 5: Download the report (usually $10–$15)

If you didn’t get a report number at the scene, check your property receipt or paperwork from the officer. Still not sure? We can help you look it up.

Option 4: Use the NYPD Online Collision Portal

In some cases, you can request your collision report directly from the NYPD using their online system. This method lets you request a report by entering your license, plate number, and the date of the crash — and they’ll email you a verification PIN to download it later.

You’ll need:

• The date and borough where the accident occurred
• Your driver’s license number and license plate
• Date of birth and a working email address

You can access this tool at the NYPD Collision Report Portal.

What If the Report Isn’t Ready or Is Wrong?

Sometimes officers take longer to upload reports — especially for complex or multi-vehicle accidents. If the report has missing or incorrect info, don’t panic. We’ve handled dozens of cases where the police got it wrong. That’s what evidence, photos, and witness accounts are for.

What If I Don’t Have the Report — Can I Still Open a Case?

Yes. We’ve helped clients open strong cases even when the report was delayed, incomplete, or missing. If you have treatment records and details about what happened, we can still get started. You can also visit our FAQ page or our 72-hour guide for more info.

What If the Police Didn’t Come — Do I Have to File My Own MV-104?

If the police didn’t respond to the crash scene, you may be required to file a report yourself — especially if there was injury, death, or over $1,000 in property damage. In New York, this is done using Form MV-104.

This report goes to the DMV in Albany and is separate from anything your insurance company files. You must submit it within 10 days of the crash or risk fines and license issues.

You can download the official form and instructions at the NY DMV MV-104 Page.

If you’re unsure how to fill it out or what to include, contact us — we help clients file it properly every week.

Bonus: View Crash Maps and Traffic Data

If you want to see where your accident happened on a public map, NYC makes that data available. Visit the NYC Open Collision Map and search by location or date.