Michigan Traffic Accident Reporting Rules

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Michigan traffic accident reporting requirements kick in the moment you’re in a crash with injury, death, or property damage over $1,000. The rules are strict, and missing a step can mean fines, license trouble, or even criminal charges.

As of 2026, Michigan law (MCL 257.619) requires a police report for any accident causing injury or death, and a UD-10 form for damage-only crashes over the threshold. Here’s exactly when and how to report.

Police must be notified if the other driver leaves the scene.

When You Must Report a Michigan Traffic Accident

You’re legally required to report if the crash involves any of these:

• Injury or death: Call 911 right away. Police will file the report.
• Property damage ≥ $1,000: File a UD-10 within 10 days if police don’t respond.
• Hit-and-run: Report immediately, even if damage seems minor.
• Uninsured driver: Still report, your no-fault coverage depends on it.

If police arrive, they’ll handle the report. If not, the UD-10 is your responsibility.

Michigan Reporting Thresholds: Injury, Death, and $1,000 Damage

Michigan’s thresholds are clear. Injury or death triggers an immediate police report. For property damage, the magic number is $1,000 as of 2026.

That means a dented bumper might not require a report, but a crumpled fender likely will. When in doubt, report it. Insurance companies and courts often use repair estimates to hit that $1,000 mark after the fact.

No-fault insurance doesn’t change the reporting duty. Even if you’re not at fault, you must still follow the rules.

Who Needs to File: Drivers, Passengers, and Witnesses

The driver is always responsible for reporting. But if you’re injured and can’t, a passenger can file on your behalf.

Witnesses only need to report in hit-and-run cases where the at-fault driver flees. If you see it happen, call 911 and provide details.

Out-of-state drivers aren’t exempt. If you’re visiting Michigan and get in a crash, you must follow the same state reporting rules.

Decision Tree: What to Do at the Scene Based on Crash Type

Is anyone injured or killed?

• Yes: Call 911 immediately. Stay at the scene. Police will file the report.

No injuries, but damage looks over $1,000?

• Yes: Call non-emergency police. If they don’t respond, file a UD-10 within 10 days.

Damage under $1,000 and no injuries?

• Yes: Exchange info with the other driver. No report is legally required, but take photos and notes in case estimates later exceed the threshold.

Hit-and-run or uninsured driver?

• Yes: Report to police immediately, even if damage seems minor.

Private property (e.g., parking lot)?

• Yes: Same rules apply. If damage is over $1,000, report it.

How to File a UD-10 or Police Report in Michigan

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If police respond to the scene, they’ll file the official report. If they don’t, you must submit a UD-10 form yourself.

You can file online through the Michigan State Police portal, in person at a police station, or by mail. The form asks for driver and vehicle details, accident location, and a diagram of what happened.

Online, In-Person, and Phone Reporting Paths

Online is the fastest method. The Michigan State Police website guides you through each field.

In person, visit any police station or Michigan Secretary of State branch. Bring your license, registration, and insurance info.

For phone reports, call the non-emergency line for your local police or county sheriff. They’ll tell you if an officer can take the report over the phone or if you need to file the UD-10 yourself.

Michigan State Police vs Local PD vs County Sheriff

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Michigan State Police handle accidents on highways and in unincorporated areas. Local police cover city streets. County sheriffs take reports in rural areas without city police.

If you’re unsure who has jurisdiction, call 911. The dispatcher will route you correctly.

State Police reports are often more detailed, which can help with insurance claims. Local PD reports are just as valid but may have less narrative detail.

Hit-and-Run and Uninsured Driver Reporting Rules

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Leaving the scene of an accident with injury or death is a felony in Michigan. Even for damage-only, fleeing can lead to misdemeanor charges.

If you’re the victim of a hit-and-run, call 911 immediately. Provide as much detail as possible about the other vehicle.

For uninsured drivers, your no-fault coverage still applies, but reporting the accident protects your right to sue for excess damages. Michigan’s no-fault system covers your medical bills, but you may need to pursue the at-fault driver for vehicle repairs.

Out-of-State Drivers and Private Property Accidents

Out-of-state drivers must follow Michigan’s reporting rules. If you’re visiting and get in a crash, you’re subject to the same $1,000 damage threshold and 10-day filing window.

Private property accidents, like in parking lots, still count. If damage exceeds $1,000, you must report it. Many drivers assume private property crashes don’t need reporting, but Michigan law doesn’t make that distinction.

If the property owner has security cameras, ask for footage. It can help identify hit-and-run drivers or prove fault.

Mistakes That Get You Fined or Charged in Michigan

Not reporting when required is the most common mistake. Even if the other driver says they’ll pay for damages, file the report.

Leaving the scene is a criminal offense. Stay until police arrive or until you’ve exchanged information with the other driver.

Missing the 10-day deadline for damage-only reports can result in license suspension. Set a calendar reminder if you’re filing a UD-10 yourself.

Admitting fault at the scene can complicate insurance claims. Stick to the facts when speaking to the other driver or police.

Failing to gather evidence like photos or witness statements can hurt your case later. Take pictures of the damage, the scene, and any skid marks.

Not notifying your insurance company is another misstep. Even if you’re not at fault, your insurer needs to know.

No-Fault Insurance and Why Reporting Still Protects You

Michigan’s no-fault insurance means your own policy covers your medical expenses, regardless of who caused the crash. But reporting the accident is still critical.

Your insurer may deny a claim if you don’t report the accident promptly. The UD-10 or police report serves as official documentation.

Reporting also protects your right to sue for excess damages. If your medical bills exceed your policy limits, you may need to pursue the at-fault driver. Without a report, proving fault becomes much harder.

Legal Backing: MCL 257.619, UD-10, and SOS Requirements

Michigan’s Vehicle Code, specifically MCL 257.619, outlines the reporting requirements. It mandates immediate reporting for injuries or deaths and a UD-10 for damage over $1,000.

The UD-10 form is the official Michigan Traffic Crash Report. It’s available through the Michigan State Police and must be filed within 10 days for damage-only accidents.

The Michigan Secretary of State (SOS) also plays a role. They may suspend your license if you fail to report as required.

Your 10-Day Checklist After a Michigan Crash

Day 1 starts at the scene. Call 911 if there are injuries or the other driver flees. Exchange info with all parties involved.

Within 24 hours, notify your insurance company. Provide the basic facts but avoid admitting fault. Start gathering evidence like photos and witness contacts.

By day 10, file the UD-10 if police didn’t respond. Double check all details for accuracy. Submit it online or in person to avoid late penalties.

Keep copies of all documents. Your insurance adjuster and any legal representatives will need them.

Frequently Asked Questions