Iowa Car Accident Reports

Get a Car Accident Report in the State of Iowa

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How to Report?

Car Accident in the State of Iowa

If you’ve been involved in a motor vehicle accident in Iowa, obtaining the official crash report is a vital step in resolving insurance claims, protecting your legal rights, or simply keeping an accurate record of the incident. In Iowa, traffic accident reports are completed by the law enforcement agency that responds to the crash and are maintained by either the investigating agency or the Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT).

This guide explains who can request an accident report in Iowa, how to obtain one, and what you can expect to find in the report.

Who Can Access an Accident Report in Iowa?

In Iowa, accident reports are considered public records under the state’s open records laws. This means that most reports can be accessed by members of the public, although sensitive personal information may be redacted to protect privacy.

The following parties commonly request crash reports:

Drivers and passengers involved in the crash
Vehicle owners
Insurance companies handling related claims
Attorneys representing involved parties
Law enforcement and investigative agencies
Other individuals with a legitimate interest in the report

What Agency Filed the Report?

The agency that responded to your crash is responsible for completing the accident report. This could include:

Iowa State Patrol – for crashes on interstates and state highways
County Sheriff’s Offices – for accidents in rural or unincorporated areas
Municipal Police Departments – for incidents within city or town limits

While many agencies keep records locally, most official crash reports are submitted to and archived by the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT).

Guide To Report

How to Report Accident in Iowa

There are three official ways to request your Iowa car accident report:

1. Online Through the Iowa DOT Crash Report Request System

Most crash reports can be requested through the Iowa DOT’s centralized crash report system.

To request a report:

Visit: https://iowadot.gov/mvd/services/accidentreport
Download and complete the “Request for Copy of Accident Report” form
Provide necessary details, including:
- Date and location of the crash
- Names of involved parties
- Case or report number (if available)
- Your relationship to the case
Include payment of $4.00 (check or money order payable to “Iowa DOT”)

Mail the completed form and payment to:

Iowa Department of Transportation
Office of Driver Services
P.O. Box 9204
Des Moines, IA 50306-9204

Processing time: Reports are typically available 7–10 business days after the crash.

2. From the Investigating Law Enforcement Agency

You may also request the report directly from the law enforcement agency that handled the crash. Some departments provide copies for free or at a low cost.

Common steps include:

Visiting the police or sheriff’s department in person
Submitting a written or online request
Providing valid identification
Paying any applicable fee (usually $1–$5)

Not all agencies provide public access to their records, so call ahead or check the agency’s website for details.

3. Through Your Insurance Provider or Attorney

Many insurance companies and attorneys automatically request crash reports when handling your case. If you’re working with one, you may not need to make a separate request yourself.

What Is Included in an Iowa Accident Report?

An Iowa crash report includes detailed information collected by the investigating officer, such as:

Names and contact details of drivers and passengers
Vehicle details (make, model, VIN, registration)
Insurance company names and policy numbers
Date, time, and location of the crash
Road, weather, and lighting conditions
A narrative description of the incident
A diagram of the crash scene
Citations issued, if any
Injury or fatality information
Witness statements (if applicable)

This information is crucial for understanding the cause of the accident and for supporting any insurance or legal claims.

FAQS

About Report

Iowa DOT reports: Usually available within 7–10 business days
Local agency reports: May be available within 3–7 business days
Crashes involving fatalities or criminal investigation: May take longer to finalize

Iowa law requires drivers to file their own report (Form 433002) for accidents not investigated by police that result in injury, death, or property damage over $1,500
Be sure to provide complete and accurate information when submitting your request
Incomplete forms or missing payment may delay the process

Don’t Waste time!

Start Your Report Search Now with Wreck Reports

If you have difficulty locating your report or interpreting its contents, consider speaking with Wreck Reports our professionals can help ensure the report is used effectively for your claim or legal matter.