REQUIREMENTS FOR REPORTING A CRASH

March 26th, 2008 by Cpl Edward Koczan

The Indiana BMV announced a change in crash reporting procedures that went into effect January 1st 2006.

These changes affect anyone involved in a crash involving personal injury or property damage in excess of $1000. The following news release was made on December 29th

Effective January 1, 2006, any individual involved in accident resulting in injury, death or property damage in excess of $1,000.00 must now forward a written report of the accident to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles within 10 days of the incident.

(Previous state law required that an Operator’s Crash Report be forwarded to the Indiana State Police within 10 days of the accident. The State Police would then supply such reports to the BMV)

Effective January 1, 2006, all Indiana Operator’s Proof of Insurance/Crash Reports (SR21), formerly known as the Operator’s Crash Reports, must be sent by the driver of a vehicle involved, directly to the BMV.

“We are looking forward to easing the process Hoosier motorists must go through following an accident.” said Indiana BMV Commissioner Joel Silverman. “Sending the reports directly to the BMV will update our records faster and more efficiently.” Hoosier motorists are reminded that the laws regarding individuals operating vehicles without legal insurance remain the same. Individuals who cannot provide adequate proof that they were insured at the time of an accident will receive a mandatory 90-day license suspension.

Following the 90-day suspension period, all requirements for reinstatement must be met before driving privileges are restored.

Completed Indiana Operator’s Proof of Insurance/Crash Reports must be mailed to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles at:
Bureau of Motor Vehicles PFR/Crash Report Section
Post Office Box 7169
Indianapolis, IN 46207

Faxed or copies hand delivered to the Bureau’s administrative headquarters will also be accepted. A copy of the new form can be downloaded from our website here, or you may pick one up from the SBPD Records office at the station located at 701 W Sample St.

You are also required to obtain a copy of the police report if applicable to your crash, to obtain this information. There is an $8.00 service fee for a copy of this report.