How to Get Your South Carolina Accident Report

Where to request your accident report

You can get a copy of your accident report from the police department that responded to the crash. If the accident happened in a city, contact that city's police department. If it happened outside city limits, contact the South Carolina Highway Patrol or the sheriff's office for the county where the crash occurred.

The easiest way to start is to call the non-emergency number for the agency that handled your case. Have your driver's license number, the date of the accident, and the location ready. The dispatcher can tell you whether the report is finished and how to request it.

Some police departments allow you to request reports online through their websites. The South Carolina Highway Patrol accepts requests through their website, and many city police departments have similar options. Check the agency's website first — it will tell you the fastest route for your specific location.

Key Takeaways

• Contact the police department or Highway Patrol that responded to your accident, not a state office — reports are kept locally.
• You will need the accident date, location, and your driver's license number to request the report.
• Reports typically take one to two weeks to complete, though this varies by department and how busy they are.
• You can usually request a report by phone, online, or in person, depending on which agency handled the crash.
• There is a small fee for copies, typically between $5 and $15, though some departments waive it for your own accident.

What information you need to provide

When you contact the police department, have these details ready: the date and time of the accident, the street address or intersection where it happened, the names of other drivers involved, and your driver's license number. If you have a case or report number from the scene, that speeds things up significantly.

If you do not have all this information, the dispatcher can often look up the report using just your name and the accident date. Be as specific as you can about the location — "Highway 17 near Myrtle Beach" is less useful than "Highway 17 at Barefoot Landing, Myrtle Beach."

How long the report takes to complete

Most police departments finish accident reports within one to two weeks. However, if the accident involved serious injury, a fatality, or criminal charges, the report may take longer — sometimes several weeks — because the investigation is still ongoing.

You can call the department that handled your case to ask whether the report is ready before you make a formal request. This saves you a trip or a wasted request if the report is not finished yet.

How to request the report in person or by mail

If you prefer to request the report in person, visit the police department's records office during business hours. Bring your driver's license and be ready to pay the copying fee. Most departments can give you a copy on the spot if the report is finished.

To request by mail, write to the police department's records division with your name, driver's license number, the accident date, and location. Include a check or money order for the copying fee if the department requires payment upfront. Mail requests take longer — typically two to four weeks — because the department has to process your letter and mail the report back to you.

Understanding what the report contains

An accident report includes the names and contact information of all drivers and witnesses, insurance information, vehicle details, a description of how the accident happened, and the officer's assessment of fault or contributing factors. It also notes weather conditions, road conditions, and whether any citations were issued.

The report does not determine legal liability — that is decided in court or by insurance companies. The officer's opinion about fault is included in the report, but it is not binding. Insurance companies use the report as one piece of evidence, along with photos, witness statements, and other information.

Fees and payment methods

Most South Carolina police departments charge between $5 and $15 per copy of an accident report. Some departments waive the fee if you are requesting your own accident report, while others charge regardless. A few departments offer free reports to drivers involved in the accident.

Payment methods vary by department. Some accept cash, check, or money order in person. Others accept credit cards or online payment if you request the report through their website. Ask about the fee and accepted payment methods when you contact the department.

If you need the report for insurance or legal reasons

Insurance companies typically request the accident report directly from the police department, so you may not need to get it yourself. However, if your insurance company asks you to provide it, or if you are handling a claim without insurance, you will need to request it as described above.

If you are involved in a lawsuit related to the accident, your attorney may request the report on your behalf. If you are representing yourself, the court can also order the police department to provide the report. In either case, the process is the same — contact the police department that handled the accident.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an accident report if I was not the one who called the police?

Yes. Anyone involved in the accident — driver, passenger, or witness — can request the report. You will need to provide your name and the accident details. Some departments may ask for identification to verify you were involved.

What if the accident happened on a highway or interstate?

Contact the South Carolina Highway Patrol. They handle most accidents on state highways and interstates. You can reach them through their website or by calling the non-emergency number for the patrol post nearest to where the accident occurred.

How do I find out which police department handled my accident?

If you are not sure, start by calling the non-emergency number for the city or county where the accident happened. The dispatcher can tell you which agency responded and provide you with the correct contact information to request the report.

Can I get a report if the accident happened years ago?

Yes, but older reports may be archived or stored differently. Contact the police department and explain when the accident occurred. They can tell you whether the report is still available and how to request it. Some departments keep reports for several years; others keep them longer.

What if I disagree with what the report says?

You cannot change the police report itself, but you can request that the department add a supplemental statement with your version of events. Contact the department and ask about their process for adding a driver's statement to the file. This becomes part of the official record.