Even in at-fault states, where the other driver's insurer pays, there are several reasons why you should always call your own auto insurance company first, including: Some insurers will help you negotiate a settlement with the other driver's insurance company.
You are required by the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law to file an crash (accident) report if you are involved in any crash where there is damage to the property of one individual (including yourself) that is more than $1,000. The report must be filed within 10 days.
(NOTE: A Report of Motor Vehicle Accident must be filed with the Department of Motor Vehicles within 10 days of a collision if the collision caused damage over $1,000 to the property of any one person. Failure to do so can result in suspension of your driver's license.)
If your accident meets specific criteria, you must also submit a separate report to the New York Department of Motor Vehicles within 10 days. Failure to do so may result in the suspension of your driver's license.
As a consequence of failing to report a qualifying accident to the NYS DMV, you may be charged with a misdemeanor that can result in the suspension or loss of your driver's license and/or vehicle registration.
You can request an accident report from the State if the accident occurred over 30 days ago. To request a report, you must complete and mail form MV-198C (Request for Copy of Accident Report) to the State. Request an older accident report. Staff is available through the automated phone system during business hours.
Get the Vehicle's History Visit the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) website, vehiclehistory, to get a vehicle history report with title, insurance loss, and salvage information. This site lists NMVTIS-approved providers of vehicle history reports.
Filing an Crash (Accident) Report You are required by the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law to file an crash (accident) report if you are involved in any crash where there is damage to the property of one individual (including yourself) that is more than $1,000. The report must be filed within 10 days.
There are five key details of accidents legally required: Full name, address and occupation of the injured person (a) Date and time of the accident (b) Location of the accident (c) Cause and nature of the injury (d) Name, address and occupation of the person giving the notice, if other than the injured person (e).