After a car accident in California, stop, check for injuries and call 911 if anyone is hurt. Exchange your driver's license, registration, insurance information and address with the other driver. If anyone was injured or killed, or the property damage is over $1,000, each driver must file an SR-1 report with the DMV within 10 days, even if the police already made a report.
At the scene
Move to a safe spot if you can. Call 911 for injuries. Show your driver's license, vehicle registration card, insurance information and current address to the other driver, to law enforcement and to anyone else involved. Take photos of the vehicles, plates and the scene.
The SR-1 report
The SR-1 goes to the DMV, separately from any police report or insurance claim. It is required within 10 days when anyone was hurt, no matter how minor, or killed, or when property damage is over $1,000. It applies whether or not you caused the accident and even on private property. You, your insurance agent, broker or legal representative can file it, and the DMV can suspend a license for not reporting.
Call your insurance company
Report the accident to your insurer as soon as you can, with the photos and the other driver's information. Your policy describes what is covered: liability pays the other side, collision pays for your car.
If you had no insurance
Driving without insurance can lead to a suspended license, and getting it back usually means an SR-22 filing. Monge can quote the policy and handle the SR-22 together.
What to do after a car accident in California
- Stop and check for injuriesCall 911 if anyone is hurt.
- Exchange informationLicense, registration, insurance and address with every driver involved.
- Document the scenePhotos of the vehicles, plates, damage and location.
- Call your insurance companyReport the accident and start the claim if needed.
- File the SR-1 if it appliesWithin 10 days if anyone was injured or killed, or damage is over $1,000.
Get it handled in one stop
Monge quotes auto insurance across multiple carriers and handles the vehicle paperwork at the same Bloomington counter. Start with the online quote form, call (909) 440-5999, or see California Auto Insurance. Help is available in English and español.
Sources
- California Driver Handbook: Financial responsibility, insurance requirements and collisions
- California DMV: Report of Traffic Accident Occurring in California (SR-1)
General information, not legal advice. DMV rules and fees change; the DMV and your policy are the final word. Updated 2026-10-08.
Questions people ask
Do I have to report a car accident to the DMV in California?
Yes, with an SR-1, within 10 days, if anyone was injured or killed or property damage is over $1,000.
Is the police report enough?
No. The SR-1 is required in addition to any police, CHP or insurance report.
Who can file the SR-1?
You, or your insurance agent, broker or legal representative. It can be filed online with the DMV.
What happens if I don't file an SR-1?
The DMV can suspend your driver's license.
Keep reading
More answers from Monge
One call can clean up a lot.
Insurance. Registration. A clearer next step.
Tell Monge what you’re trying to accomplish and start with the right conversation.
993 W Valley Blvd #102, Bloomington, CA 92316