After a car accident in Florida, police typically arrive to document the scene and file an official report. Many drivers are left wondering: does police report automatically go to insurance? Assuming it does can lead to delays, claim complications, or even denied coverage.
In this article, you'll learn what really happens to your crash report, whether insurance companies receive it automatically, and what steps you need to take to protect your rights and strengthen your claim.
What Is a Police Report and Why It’s Filed After a Crash
A police report is an official document created by a law enforcement officer who responds to the scene of a traffic accident. In Florida, it serves as a formal record of the incident, capturing key facts that may later influence insurance claims or legal action.
The report typically includes the names and contact information of everyone involved, vehicle descriptions, license and registration details, statements from drivers and witnesses, diagrams of the crash scene, and the officer’s initial observations about what happened.
Under Florida law, a police report is legally required if the accident caused injury, death, or property damage of $500 or more. It’s also mandatory if the crash involved a commercial vehicle, a driver under the influence, or if a vehicle had to be towed from the scene. This report becomes one of the most important documents following a crash because it helps establish the basic facts, which both insurance companies and attorneys may rely on when determining liability and processing claims.
Does a Police Report Automatically Go to Insurance?
The short answer is no. In Florida, the answer to the question does police report automatically go to insurance is no, it does not. Many drivers believe that once a report is filed by police after a crash, it is automatically sent to their insurance company. That is not the case. Law enforcement agencies do not forward accident reports to insurers.
Instead, it is the driver's responsibility to obtain the report and provide it to their insurance company. In Florida, police reports are submitted to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and become available through official channels. Unless you or your attorney take action to retrieve the report and share it with your insurer, they may not receive it at all.
While this process can vary in other states, Florida drivers should not assume it is automatic. Knowing the answer to does police report automatically go to insurance helps prevent delays, miscommunication, and claim complications.
When and How Insurance Companies Get the Police Report
In Florida, police crash reports are typically available within 10 days after the accident. You can get a copy through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) by ordering online, visiting a local police department in person, or submitting a request by mail. The report usually costs about $10, and access is limited to involved parties, their attorneys, insurers, and certain legal representatives.
Insurance companies may request the police report directly in some cases, especially if the crash involved injury or significant damage. However, many insurers wait for the driver to submit the report or confirm that one exists. If you don’t provide it, your insurer may not follow up quickly or at all, which can delay your claim.
Timing is important. Without the report, your insurance provider may lack critical details they need to evaluate fault, process the claim, or approve payment. To avoid problems, it's best to request the report yourself and share it with your insurer as soon as it becomes available.
If you need help navigating the process after an accident, visit our Fort Walton Beach car accident lawyer page to learn how Browning Law Firm can assist you.
What Happens If You Don’t Share the Report
If you don’t share the police report with your insurance company, it can slow down your claim or even create serious complications. The most immediate issue is a delay. Without the report, your insurer may not have enough information to evaluate the claim, determine fault, or move the process forward.
There is also a greater risk of denial. If the insurance adjuster only hears one side of the story, especially if it comes from the other driver, they may make a decision based on incomplete or inaccurate information.
Not reviewing or submitting the report also means any mistakes in it may go uncorrected. That could include wrong contact details, vehicle descriptions, or assumptions about how the crash happened. Once the insurer sees the report, those errors become part of your official record unless you catch them early.
The report can also support your side of the story. It often includes details that strengthen your case, such as diagrams, officer comments, or statements from witnesses. Without it, you miss a key opportunity to document what really happened.
Why the Police Report Matters in Legal Claims
The police report is often the most objective third-party account of what happened in a crash. It includes the responding officer’s observations, statements from those involved, and documentation that can clarify the events leading up to the collision. In legal claims, this report becomes a central piece of evidence.
Insurance companies rely on police reports when evaluating fault and damages. Attorneys use them to build a foundation for pre-litigation strategy and courtroom arguments. If there are conflicting accounts from the drivers, the report often helps establish credibility and direction for the case.
Understanding the answer to does police report automatically go to insurance becomes even more important when legal action is involved. If the report is not shared, or if the information within it is overlooked, you may lose valuable leverage during negotiations or trial.
To see how documentation plays a role in the legal process, read our article on what happens after a deposition in a personal injury case.
When to Speak With a Lawyer
There are situations after a crash where speaking with a lawyer is not just helpful but necessary. If you suffered injuries or were hospitalized, a personal injury attorney can protect your rights and help you pursue full compensation. Legal help is also critical when the crash involved DUI, distracted driving, or any scenario where fault is unclear or disputed.
If your claim is denied or delayed by the insurance company, having an attorney can make the difference between a stalled case and a successful recovery. An experienced lawyer will make sure you take the right steps, meet deadlines, and avoid common mistakes that could hurt your claim.
For crashes involving impaired drivers, you can visit our DUI accident lawyer page to learn how Browning Law Firm helps victims take action and seek justice.
How Browning Law Firm Helps Crash Victims
After a car accident, many people ask the same question: does police report automatically go to insurance? In Florida, it does not. If you assume your insurer already has the report, you may face delays, denied claims, or missing evidence in your case. Taking the right next step matters.
Browning Law Firm is led by attorney Coy H. Browning, a former Florida State Trooper who understands how accident reports are written, filed, and used in both insurance and legal claims. This insight allows the firm to spot missing information, correct inaccuracies, and use every detail to build a stronger case for compensation.
Whether you are dealing with injuries, insurance complications, or legal uncertainty, Browning Law Firm offers full-service support from the moment of the crash through the final resolution of your case. Every client receives clear guidance, consistent communication, and representation backed by real experience.
Get legal support after your crash. Schedule your FREE case evaluation today.