How to Request a Utah Traffic Accident Report
Short answer: Utah accident reports are generally available through the Department of Public Safety's online crash report portal, with access restricted to people directly involved in the accident (or their authorized representatives). Fees are commonly reported in the range of $5 to $25, depending on the agency and the report's length.
Who this guide is for
Anyone involved in a Utah car accident who needs a copy of the official report — commonly needed for an insurance claim, a personal injury claim, or your own records.
Who can request a report
Under Utah Code §41-6a-404, access to accident reports is generally restricted to protect the privacy of those involved — if you were a driver or passenger directly involved in the crash, you generally have the right to request a copy. This isn't a fully public record anyone can pull up.
Where to get it
- Utah Department of Public Safety's online portal — generally the fastest option, letting you search using the accident date, location, and driver names, then pay to view and print the report.
- The responding local law enforcement agency — many Utah police departments and sheriff's offices also make reports available directly, sometimes online, sometimes requiring an in-person or mailed request.
What you'll generally need to request it
- The date of the accident
- The location
- The names of the drivers involved
- Your own identification, confirming you were a party to the accident
Cost
Reported fees for a Utah accident report commonly range from $5 to $25, depending on the specific agency and the length of the report — confirm the current fee with whichever agency or portal you're using.
Why the report matters for a claim
An accident report is often key documentation for both insurance claims and any personal injury case — see Utah Small Claims for Car Accident Property Damage and What to Do After a Car Accident for how it fits into the broader process. It provides an independent, official record of what happened, which can carry real weight compared to relying on memory or informal accounts alone.
What if the report contains an error?
If you believe the report contains a factual error, raise it with the agency that prepared it — reports aren't necessarily infallible, and a documented correction can matter if the report is later used in a claim or dispute.
Frequently asked questions
How soon after an accident is the report available? This varies by agency and case complexity — some reports are available within days, while others (particularly ones involving serious injury or an ongoing investigation) can take longer.
Can my insurance company get the report for me? Insurance companies handling your claim often obtain accident reports as part of their own investigation, but requesting your own copy directly ensures you have it independently.
What if I wasn't directly involved but need the report for another reason? Given the access restrictions described above, someone not directly involved may need a specific authorized reason or representation to obtain a copy — confirm requirements with the specific agency.