A car accident report is an essential document that provides official details about a collision including the date, time, location, all involved parties, and much more. Whether you are dealing with insurance claims, legal matters, or just personal record-keeping, holding onto this report can be crucial. The answer to how long you should actually keep the report depends on several factors, though, which is why learning the recommended time frames is such a good idea.
Why Car Accident Reports Matter
First and foremost, contacting the police to get a car accident report generated is one of the key steps to take right after a car accident that many people forget. A car accident report will serve multiple purposes beyond just documenting the incident which occurred, rather it will contain vital details such as driver and witness statements, road conditions, and officer observations.
All of the above items can later be used in insurance claims or legal proceedings which is why they matter so much. One of the primary reasons for why keeping your car accident report is so important though is primarily for insurance purposes. If you file a claim, your insurer may require a copy to process your request and determine fault. If any injuries or damages arise after the initial incident, as well, then having a report on hand can help you prove what happened.
Legal disputes can always arise after an accident and if another driver decides to sue or if a claim is re-evaluated then your accident report will serve as key evidence. Even if you plan to sell your car then having a record of your past accidents and repairs can be helpful for potential buyers.
How Long Should You Keep a Car Accident Report?
The recommended timeline for how long to keep a car accident report around will vary depending on different circumstances. Some general guidelines to follow, though, include:
- Without other guidance, keep an accident report for 2-3 years if no injuries or legal disputes arise as this will comply with many states’ statutes of limitations for property damage claims
- Adhere to any timeline guidance provided by your insurance company and adjust this if you happen to switch insurance providers
- If there were injuries involved or a signficant chance of legal action occurring, never throw out the accident report just in case it ever comes up again
State laws vary regarding how long a person can file a lawsuit after an accident and some states allow claims for injuries years after a crash. This makes it crucial to retain your report even longer in these circumstances. Even if you believe your claim is resolved, unexpected disputes or new medical issues could arise which may require proof of the original accident details.
Legal and Insurance Considerations to Remember
Different organizations will also have their own requirements regarding the length of time accident reports need to be stored. Insurance companies will be able to resolve most accident claims in a matter of months, but they will sometimes reassess cases later in time. Keeping your report will ensure that you have documentation if your case is revisited.
Depending on the state you live in, the statute of limitations for filing lawsuits after a car accident can range from a few months to several years. At a minimum, you should keep your car accident report for this length of time to protect yourself legally. By keeping your report longer than is required, you can protect yourself from potential complications that could arise at a later time down the road.
How to Store Your Car Accident Report Safely
Properly storing your car accident report will help to ensure that it always remains accessible when you need it. Some best practices for this include:
- Keep a physical copy of the report and store the original in a safe place such as a filing cabinet that contains other important documents
- Make a digital copy of your accident report and store it on your computer, an encrypted drive, or in the cloud to ensure you don’t lose it if the physical copy is misplaced
- Organize all related documents and keep them together with the accident report to maximize the evidence you have on hand
By maintaining both physical and digital copies of your reports, you can access them anytime if an issue arises even years after the accident.
Protect yourself against future lawsuits
Car accident reports are essential documents that can impact insurance claims, legal disputes, and future financial decisions. While a general recommendation is to keep them on hand for at least 2-3 years, longer retention, especially for serious accidents, is always a wise choice. Legal and insurance factors vary greatly so it’s always best to err on the side of caution. By storing your report in a secure location and keeping everything organized, you will protect yourself from complications.