Maine reporting a traffic accident to state police for damages over $1,000 is required by law. If you’re in a crash with property damage exceeding that amount, you must file a report, even if no one was hurt. As of 2026, the threshold remains $1,000, and failing to report can lead to penalties.
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Quick Answer
Maine requires reporting accidents with damages over $1,000. You must file a report if police didn’t respond. The deadline is 5 days.
Use Form MV-19 for self-reporting.
When You Must Report an Accident in Maine
You have to report if the damage hits $1,000 or more. This applies even if the other driver says they’ll pay out of pocket.
Injuries or fatalities require immediate reporting, no matter the damage cost. Hit-and-run incidents must also be reported right away.
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If the accident involves a parked car or property (like a fence or building), you still need to report it if the damage exceeds the threshold. The same rule applies if you’re an out-of-state driver in Maine.
When You Don’t Need to File a Report
Minor fender benders under $1,000 don’t require a state report. If police already filed a report at the scene, you’re covered.
Private property accidents with no injuries and under $1,000 in damage also don’t need reporting. But check with your insurance, some policies still require notification.
How to Report an Accident to Maine State Police
If police didn’t come to the scene, you file Form MV-19 yourself. You can get it online from the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
Fill it out completely and submit it within 5 days. Keep a copy for your records and your insurance company.
What Happens If You Don’t Report?
Skipping the report can lead to a license suspension. You might also face fines or legal trouble.
Your insurance claim could be denied if you don’t have an official report. And if the other driver files a claim, you’ll have no documentation to protect yourself.
Step-by-Step: Filing a Maine Crash Report (Form MV-19)
First, download Form MV-19 from the Maine BMV website. You can fill it out online or print it and complete it by hand.
Gather all the details before you start. You’ll need the date, time, and location of the accident. Include the names, addresses, and insurance info of all drivers involved.
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Describe the damage to each vehicle and any injuries. Be as specific as possible. If there were witnesses, list their names and contact information.
Submit the form to the Maine BMV within 5 days. You can mail it, drop it off in person, or submit it online if that option is available.
Police Report vs. Self-Report: Which One Applies to You?
If police responded to the scene, they’ll file the report for you. You don’t need to do anything else unless the BMV requests additional info.
If police didn’t come to the scene, you’re responsible for filing Form MV-19. This is true even if the accident seems minor.
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A police report carries more weight with insurance companies. It’s also harder to dispute later. Self-reports work, but they’re easier to challenge if details are unclear.
Common Mistakes That Get People in Trouble
Waiting too long to file is a big one. The 5-day deadline is strict, and missing it can lead to penalties.
Underestimating the damage is another common error. What looks like a $500 repair might actually cost $1,500. When in doubt, report it.
Not exchanging information at the scene can complicate things later. Always get the other driver’s name, insurance, and contact details.
Forgetting to notify your insurance company is a mistake. Even if you’re not at fault, they need to know.
What to Do Right After the Accident (Before Reporting)
First, check for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately.
Move your vehicle to a safe location if possible. Turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers.
Exchange information with the other driver. Get their name, address, phone number, insurance company, and policy number.
Take photos of the damage and the scene. Include license plates, vehicle positions, and any relevant road signs or landmarks.
Insurance vs. State Reporting: Are They the Same?
No, they’re not the same. State reporting is a legal requirement. Insurance reporting is about your policy and claims.
You must file with the state if the damage exceeds $1,000. Your insurance company may also require you to report the accident, regardless of the damage amount.
Filing with the state doesn’t automatically notify your insurance. You’ll need to do that separately.
Some insurers require immediate notification, even for minor accidents. Check your policy to be sure.
Out-of-State Drivers: Special Rules for Maine Accidents
The same $1,000 damage threshold applies to out-of-state drivers. If you’re visiting Maine and get into an accident, you must follow Maine’s reporting rules.
Your home state’s laws don’t override Maine’s requirements. Even if your state has a higher threshold, you still need to report in Maine if the damage exceeds $1,000.
If you’re unsure about the damage amount, it’s safer to file a report. This protects you legally and ensures your insurance claim goes smoothly.
FAQs About Maine Accident Reporting
Do I need to report a parking lot accident in Maine?
Yes, if the damage is over $1,000. Parking lot accidents are treated the same as any other collision under Maine law.
What if the other driver doesn’t want to report?
You’re still required to file if the damage exceeds the threshold. Their refusal doesn’t change your legal obligation.
Can I file a report online?
Yes, Maine offers online filing for Form MV-19. Check the Maine BMV website for the latest options.
How long do I have to report an accident in Maine?
You have 5 days to file if police didn’t respond. For accidents with injuries or fatalities, report immediately.
What if I don’t know the exact damage amount?
Estimate as best as you can. If there’s any doubt, file the report to stay compliant.
Final Checklist: Did You Cover Everything?
Confirm the damage exceeds $1,000. If yes, you must report.
Check if police filed a report at the scene. If not, you’re responsible for Form MV-19.
Gather all driver and witness information. Include photos and notes about the accident.
Submit the report within 5 days. Keep a copy for your records.
Notify your insurance company. Even if you’re not at fault, they need to know.