Getting into a car accident is already a headache, but the frustration doesn’t end when you leave the scene. If there were injuries or property damage, you’ll be looking at filing an insurance claim, and for that, you’ll need the police report.

This report is extremely important because it includes key details about your collision: who was involved, what happened, and the officer’s official account of the crash. But how long do you have to wait to get a copy in Michigan?

The answer isn’t always straightforward. Depending on the law enforcement agency, the severity of the accident, and whether an investigation is needed, the wait can feel longer than it should. In this article we’ll go over the factors that can affect the timeline, so you have a better idea of what to expect.

How Long Does It Take to Receive a Police Report?  

In most cases, police reports in Michigan are available within three to ten business days, but that’s just an estimate. The actual wait time depends on several factors, including:

• The agency handling the report
• The severity of the accident
• Whether additional investigation is needed

If the crash was minor (like a simple fender bender with no injuries) the report is often processed faster. Officers can complete their paperwork quickly, and the department’s records unit can approve and release it within a few days.  

For more serious accidents, it can take much longer. If injuries were involved, officers may need to gather medical records, interview multiple witnesses, or wait for accident reconstruction reports before finalizing their findings. Fatal accidents are even more complicated: these cases often require detailed investigations, toxicology reports, and accident analysis before the police can close the file. If any part of the case remains open, the report may be delayed indefinitely or released only as a preliminary version.  

The police department involved can also impact how fast you get it: 

• Local police departments, which cover citywide incidents, typically process reports within three to seven business days. Their caseload is usually smaller than state or county agencies, so routine accidents move through the system more quickly. 
• The Michigan State Police, which handles accidents on highways and in areas without local law enforcement, generally takes five to ten business days. Their process can be slower due to higher traffic accident volumes and stricter review procedures. 
• County sheriff’s offices operate on a similar timeline, usually falling within the same five to ten business day range.  

Even within the same agency, processing speeds can vary. A department that’s understaffed or handling a high number of serious crashes may take longer to release reports. If the responding officer is off duty for several days or their supervisor has a backlog of reports to approve, you could be waiting longer than expected. This is why it’s always a good idea to follow up if you haven’t received it within the expected timeframe.  

How to Request a Police Report in Michigan  

Once the report is ready, you have several options for obtaining the police report, but the method you choose can affect how quickly you receive it. 

Online

The Michigan State Police provides an online portal where reports can be purchased, making this one of the fastest and most convenient ways to get your copy. Instead of making phone calls or visiting a department in person, you can simply enter the necessary details and check if the report is available. If it is, you can download it immediately after paying a small fee. 

In Person

If the accident was handled by a local police department or a county sheriff’s office, you can also request a copy in person. Most agencies have a records department where reports are processed and stored. Stopping by in person may allow you to get the report on the spot, as long as it has been finalized and approved for release. However, office hours vary, and some departments require an appointment or advance notice before providing the report. If you’re considering this option, calling ahead to confirm availability can save you a wasted trip.  

By Mail

Another way to obtain a report is by mail, though this method takes the longest. If you’re unable to visit the records department and prefer a hard copy, you can submit a written request. Most agencies require you to include details such as the date, time, and location of the accident, along with a case number if you have it. You’ll also need to send a check or money order for the report fee. 

Since mailed requests have to be processed, approved, and then physically sent back to you, this option often takes several extra days (or even weeks) depending on how busy the department is.  

Through Your Michigan Car Accident Lawyer

If you’re filing an insurance claim or working with a lawyer, they may be able to request the report for you. Insurance companies frequently obtain police reports as part of their investigation process, and attorneys handling accident cases often retrieve them on behalf of their clients. This can be a hassle-free way to get your report without having to track it down yourself.  

Regardless of the method you choose, the small fee for obtaining a report is worth it. Without it, you may run into roadblocks with your insurance company or have difficulty proving what happened if legal issues arise. If you’re unsure about the best way to get your report, checking with the law enforcement agency that handled the accident can help you figure out the fastest option.

What to Do If Your Report Isn’t Ready Yet  

If the expected wait time has passed and your report is still unavailable, there are a few steps you can take. 

• Calling the records department is a good first move, as they can confirm whether the report is still being processed or if additional information is needed. 
• Checking the online portal regularly can also help, as some agencies update their systems throughout the day. 

If you submitted a request and haven’t received a response, double-check that all the details were provided correctly, including the date, time, and location of the accident. If you’re working with a car accident lawyer, they can follow up on your behalf to speed things up.  

What Information Is in a Michigan Police Report?  

A Michigan accident report typically includes the date, time, and exact location of the accident, along with the names and contact information of everyone involved. This includes drivers, passengers, and any witnesses who provided statements at the scene. Insurance details for each driver are also listed, which helps insurers process claims and determine liability.  

Beyond basic information, the report provides a description of the vehicles involved, noting the extent of the damage and where the impact occurred. This can be especially important if there’s a dispute over who was at fault. Road and weather conditions at the time of the crash are also recorded since factors like icy pavement, heavy rain, or poor visibility could have contributed to the accident. If any traffic violations were issued, such as speeding, reckless driving, or running a red light, those citations will be documented in the report as well.  

One of the most important sections of the report is the officer’s narrative. This is where the responding officer explains what happened based on their observations, driver and witness statements, and any physical evidence at the scene. If there are conflicting stories, the officer’s account can be a deciding factor in how insurance companies or courts interpret the accident. Some reports may also include diagrams showing the position of the vehicles before and after the collision, as well as photographs if the officer took any on-site.  

Because the police report plays such a major role in insurance claims and legal disputes, it’s important to review it carefully once you receive a copy. If there are any errors (such as incorrect vehicle damage descriptions, wrong contact information, or a mistake in the officer’s summary) you should request a correction as soon as possible. Even a small error could impact an insurance payout or lead to unnecessary complications in a legal case.

Why Is a Police Report Important?  

Having a police report is critical when dealing with an insurance claim. Insurance companies rely on these reports to determine fault, especially when drivers give conflicting accounts of what happened. Without a report, it can be much harder to prove your side of the story, and the claims process may take longer. 

If the other driver later changes their statement or denies responsibility, the police report serves as an official record of the facts. In legal cases, this document is even more valuable, as it provides attorneys with critical evidence to support your claim.  

How to Get a Report Faster  

If you’re trying to get a report as quickly as possible, there are a few things you can do. 

1. At the scene of the accident, ask the responding officer for the case number. This will make it much easier to track the report once it’s available. 
2. If you need the report urgently, call the police department and ask when it will be ready. Some departments may allow you to pick up a preliminary version if the final report isn’t complete. 

Hiring an attorney can also help, as they are used to requesting police accident reports and may be able to speed things up.  

What If No Police Report Was Filed?  

Not every accident results in a police report. In Michigan, officers may not respond to minor accidents with no injuries, especially if both drivers agree to exchange information. 

If you find yourself in this situation, take extra steps to document the crash yourself. Use your phone to take pictures of vehicle damage, road conditions, and any relevant traffic signs. Get the other driver’s contact and insurance information, and write down your own notes about what happened. You can also file a crash report yourself online or at a local police station, which can be helpful if you need proof for an insurance claim later.  

Need Help Getting a Police Report? Call a Michigan Car Accident Attorney 

The time it takes to get a police report after an accident in Michigan varies, but most reports are available within three to ten business days. Delays happen, especially when investigations are involved, but staying proactive can help. 

If you need the report for an insurance claim or legal case, don’t wait too long to follow up. If you’re struggling to obtain a report or dealing with a complicated accident, consulting an attorney can provide guidance and help ensure you get the documents you need.  At LegalGenius, we have helped hundreds of clients acquire the documents they need to build a strong injury claim. If you’ve been injured or experienced extensive property damage, we can also help you file a claim for compensation. To learn more or schedule a free consultation, fill out our Ask the Genius™ form or call 1-800-209-4000 today.

Attorney Jeffrey Perlman

Attorney Jeffrey Perlamn is the managing partner at LegalGenius, PLLC. He has helped Metro Detroit accident victims recover the compensation they deserve for over 35 years. He believes everyone should have access to justice and the legal system, which is why Attorney Perlman spends his time outside of the courtroom writing informational blogs on the LegalGenius website that are accessible to all.