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The California DMV SR1 form is a crucial document that must be completed following a traffic accident occurring within the state. This form is required when there are injuries, fatalities, or property damage exceeding $1,000. It captures essential details such as the date, time, and location of the accident, along with information about the vehicles and drivers involved. Each party must provide their name, driver’s license number, address, and insurance details. Additionally, the form requires reporting any injuries or damages to individuals or property, which includes specifics about the vehicles and any other property affected. Timeliness is vital; the form must be submitted to the DMV within 10 days of the accident to avoid potential license suspension. Furthermore, the SR1 serves as a legal declaration of financial responsibility, ensuring that drivers maintain adequate insurance coverage. Completing this form accurately is essential, as it also impacts future insurance claims and legal proceedings related to the accident.

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REPORT OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENT

OCCURRING IN CALIFORNIA

# OF VEHICLES DATE OF ACCIDENT

ACCIDENT LOCATION (CITY/COUNTY) (CALIFORNIA ONLY)

ON PRIVATE PROPERTY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yes

 

No

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TIME OF ACCIDENT

AM

 

 

 

Stopped

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DRIVING FOR EMPLOYER

 

 

 

 

Moving

 

Parked

Pedestrian

Bicyclist

Other (E.G., ROLLAWAY)

 

Yes

 

No

INFORMATION

Hour

 

 

PM

in Traffic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DRIVER’S NAME (FIRST, MIDDLE, LAST)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DRIVER LICENSE NUMBER

 

 

STATE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DRIVER’S STREET ADDRESS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DATE OF

BIRTH

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STATE

ZIP CODE

 

TELEPHONE NUMBERS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PARTY’S

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wk (

)

 

Hm (

)

 

 

 

 

VEHICLE (YEAR AND MAKE)

 

 

 

 

VEHICLE LICENSE PLATE OR VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

 

 

 

STATE

 

 

DAMAGES OVER $1,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yes

 

No

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

VEHICLE OWNER (PERSON OR COMPANY)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DATE OF BIRTH

 

REPORTING

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ADDRESS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STATE

 

 

ZIP CODE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INSURANCE COMPANY NAME (NOT AGENT OR BROKER) AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT

 

 

 

 

 

 

POLICY NUMBER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMPANY NAIC NUMBER

 

POLICY PERIOD

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

POLICY HOLDER

NAME

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From:

 

 

 

 

 

To:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DRIVING FOR EMPLOYER

 

Moving

Stopped in Traffic

 

Parked

 

 

 

Pedestrian

 

Bicyclist

Other (E.G., ROLLAWAY)

 

 

 

Yes

 

 

No

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INFORMATION

DRIVER’S NAME (FIRST, MIDDLE, LAST)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DRIVER LICENSE NUMBER

 

 

 

STATE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DRIVER’S STREET ADDRESS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DATE OF

BIRTH

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STATE

ZIP CODE

 

TELEPHONE NUMBERS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wk (

)

 

Hm (

)

 

 

 

PARTY’S

VEHICLE (YEAR AND MAKE)

 

 

 

 

VEHICLE LICENSE PLATE OR VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

 

 

 

STATE

 

 

DAMAGES OVER $1,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yes

 

No

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

VEHICLE OWNER (PERSON OR COMPANY)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DATE OF BIRTH

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OTHER

ADDRESS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STATE

 

 

ZIP CODE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INSURANCE COMPANY NAME (NOT AGENT OR BROKER) AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT

 

 

 

 

 

 

POLICY NUMBER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMPANY NAIC NUMBER

 

POLICY PERIOD

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

POLICY HOLDER

NAME

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From:

 

 

 

 

To:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NAME AND ADDRESS OF INDIVIDUAL INJURED OR DECEASED

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INJURY/DEATH PROPERTY DAMAGE

NAME AND ADDRESS OF INDIVIDUAL INJURED OR DECEASED

OTHER PROPERTY DAMAGED (TELEPHONE POLES, FENCE, LIVESTOCK, ETC.)

PROPERTY OWNER’S NAME AND ADDRESS

Injured

 

Driver

Passenger

Deceased

 

Bicyclist

Pedestrian

Injured

 

Driver

Passenger

Deceased

 

Bicyclist

Pedestrian

 

DAMAGES OVER $1,000

 

 

Yes

 

No

 

 

 

READ IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK

I certify (or declare) under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing is true and correct.

DATE

PRINTED NAME

SIGNATURE

X

SR 1 (REV. 6/2025) WWW

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ATTACHED

Print

 

Clear Form

 

 

 

A

YOUR

CALIFORNIA INSURANCE INFORMATION

 

DO NOT DETACH

DMV FILE NUMBER

The Department may send this part to the insurance company indicated. If not fully completed,

 

 

VEHICLE

 

 

it will be assumed you were not insured for the accident and your license will be suspended.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NAME OF INSURANCE COMPANY (NOT AGENT OR

 

 

 

 

 

 

BROKER) THAT ISSUED THE LIABILITY POLICY

 

 

 

 

 

 

COVERING THE OPERATION OF YOUR VEHICLE

 

 

 

 

 

 

POLICY NUMBER

 

POLICY PERIOD

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From:

To:

 

 

I

 

 

 

DRIVER LICENSE NUMBER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(DRIVER OF YOUR VEHICLE)

N

DATE OF ACCIDENT

IN OR NEAR (CITY OR TOWN) (CALIFORNIA ONLY)

 

 

 

 

 

S

/

/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

VEHICLE (YEAR AND MAKE)

 

VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

 

 

 

VEHICLE LICENSE PLATE NUMBER

STATE

R

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

N

DRIVER

 

 

 

 

ADDRESS

 

 

 

 

 

C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OWNER

 

 

 

 

ADDRESS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FULL NAME OF POLICY HOLDER

 

 

 

ADDRESS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SR 1A (REV. 6/2025) WWW

If the policy was not in effect, this form must be completed and returned to DMV within 20 days.

The undersigned company advises that with respect to the reported accident, the policy reported on the reverse side:

WAS NOT IN EFFECT

 

 

 

 

 

 

Was not a liability policy

Did not cover the vehicle/driver

Number is not a company policy number

Policy Number

 

 

Policy Period from

 

to

 

 

 

 

 

Signature

 

 

 

 

MAIL TO:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Title

 

 

 

 

 

Department of Motor Vehicles

 

 

 

 

 

P.O. Box 942884

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date

Sacramento, CA 94284-0884

SR 1A (REV. 6/2025) WWW

Print

 

Clear Form

 

 

 

SR 1 (REV. 6/2025) WWW

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

California law requires traffic accidents on a California street/highway or private property to be reported to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 10 days if there was an injury, death or property damage in excess of $1,000. Untimely reporting could result in DMV suspending a driver license. Accidents involving vehicles not required to be registered such as an off-road vehicle (OHV), implement of husbandry, or snowmobile or occurring on a military base or occurring on the driver’s own property involving only the personal property of the driver and there was no injury or death are not reportable.

The law requires the driver to file this SR 1 form with DMV regardless of fault. This report must be made in addition to any other report filed with a law enforcement agency, insurance company, or the California Highway Patrol (CHP) as their reports do not satisfy the filing requirement. An insurance agent, attorney, or other designated representative may file the report for the driver.

The law requires every driver and every owner of a motor vehicle to be “financially responsible” for any injury or damage resulting from operating or owning a motor vehicle. The minimum insurance level for “financial responsibility” is public liability and property damage coverage of $30,000 for injury or death of one person, $60,000 for injury or death of two or more persons and $15,000 property damage per accident. Comprehensive and collision insurance does not meet the legal requirement.

The California Vehicle Code (CVC) §1806 requires DMV to record accident information regardless of fault when individuals report accidents under the Financial Responsibility Law or if law enforcement agencies or CHP investigate and make a report.

WHEN COMPLETING THIS FORM...

Please print within the spaces and boxes on this form. If you need to provide additional information on a separate piece of paper(s) or you include a copy of any law enforcement agency report, please check the box to indicate ‘Additional Information Attached’. If you are the passenger reporting the accident, be sure to identify yourself by using the ‘other’ box and stating ‘passenger’ in the explanation.

Write unk (for unknown) or none in any space or box when you do not have information on the other party involved.

Give insurance information that is complete and which correctly and fully identifies the company that issued the policy.

Place the correct National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) number for your insurance company in the boxes provided. The NAIC number should be located on your insurance ID card or you can contact your insurance agent or company for the information.

Identify any person involved in the accident (driver, passenger, bicyclist, pedestrian, etc.) who you saw was injured or complained of bodily injury or know to be deceased.

Record in the OTHER PROPERTY DAMAGED section any damage to telephone poles, fences, street signs, guard posts, trees, livestock, dogs, etc., meeting the filing requirement, including amount. This may require that you contact the owner of the property for an estimate of damages.

Once you have completed this report, please mail it to: Department of Motor Vehicles

Insurance Unit

Mail Station J237

P.O. Box 942884

Sacramento, CA 94284-0884

DMV does not accept reports or take actions against non-reporting or uninsured motorists unless this SR 1 form is sent to DMV by someone involved in the accident or their designee and the report is received by DMV within one calendar year of the accident date.

ADVISORY STATEMENT

The accident information on the SR 1 is required under the authority of Divisions 6 and 7 of the CVC. Failure to provide the informa- tion will result in suspension of the driving privilege. Except as made confidential by law (e.g., medical information) or exempted under the Public Records Act, the information is a public record, is regularly used by law enforcement agencies and insurance companies, and is open to public inspection. CVC §16005 limits the public record for SR 1 reports to accident involvement, but does allow persons with a proper interest (involved drivers, their employers, etc.) to receive specified information. Individuals may inspect or obtain copies of information contained in their records during regular office hours. The Financial Responsibility Unit Manager, 2570 24th Street, Sacramento, CA 95818 (telephone number: 916-657-6677) is responsible for maintaining this information.

NOTICE ON COLLECTION

DMV collection of personal information is governed by: California Information Practices Act, Civil Code §1798 et seq; Govern- ment Code (GC) §11015.5; California Public Records Act GC §6250 et seq.; California Vehicle Code §1808; Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (18 United States Code §§2721-2725).

The information collected may be shared with authorized service providers, state, federal, and/or local government agencies, law enforcement, and commercial entities as authorized by law.

DMV uses this information to document drivers involved in an accident with property damage over $1000, or in bodily injury, or in the death of any person.

All information on this form is mandatory.

Failure to provide mandatory information may result in suspension of driving privileges of any person who fails, refuses, or neglects to make a report of an accident as required.

You have the right to review and request corrections/deletions of DMV maintained records containing your personal information.

Questions about this form should be directed to the DMV Insurance Unit at: P.O. Box 942884, M/S J237, Sacramento, CA 94284.

For privacy policy questions or requests contact us at: DMV Chief Privacy Officer, 2415 First Avenue, MS F127, Sacramento, CA

95818 or (916)657-6340.

Form Specifications

Fact Name Details
Purpose The SR1 form is used to report traffic accidents occurring in California.
Filing Deadline Accidents must be reported to the DMV within 10 days if there is an injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000.
Governing Law California Vehicle Code (CVC) §1806 mandates the filing of the SR1 form.
Insurance Requirement Drivers must maintain financial responsibility with minimum coverage of $15,000 for one person, $30,000 for multiple persons, and $5,000 for property damage.
Who Can File The driver, insurance agent, attorney, or designated representative can file the SR1 form.
Accident Types Reportable accidents include those on California streets/highways or private property with injuries or damages over $1,000.
Non-Reportable Accidents Accidents involving unregistered vehicles or occurring on military bases may not need to be reported.
Consequences of Non-Compliance Failure to file the SR1 form may lead to the suspension of the driver's license.
Public Record Information from the SR1 form is public, but certain details are kept confidential by law.

Ca Dmv Sr1: Usage Guidelines

Filling out the CA DMV SR1 form is an important step after a traffic accident. Completing this form accurately ensures that all necessary information is reported to the DMV. It is essential to provide details about the accident, vehicles involved, and any injuries or damages. Follow these steps to fill out the form correctly.

  1. Begin by entering the number of vehicles involved in the accident.
  2. Fill in the date and time of the accident.
  3. Provide the location of the accident, including the city and county.
  4. Indicate whether the driver was stopped, moving, parked, or if there were pedestrians or bicyclists involved.
  5. Enter the driver's full name, including first, middle, and last names.
  6. Input the driver's license number and street address, including city, state, and ZIP code.
  7. List the telephone numbers for the driver, including work and home numbers.
  8. Describe the vehicle involved by providing the year, make, and license plate or vehicle identification number.
  9. Identify the vehicle owner, whether it is a person or a company, and provide their address.
  10. Fill in the insurance company name, policy number, and policy period, including the start and end dates.
  11. Provide the name of the policyholder.
  12. If there were any injuries or deaths, include the name and address of the injured or deceased individuals.
  13. Indicate if the driver was working for an employer at the time of the accident.
  14. Check the box if damages exceeded $1,000.
  15. Certify the information by signing and dating the form.
  16. If additional information is necessary, check the box indicating that more details are attached.
  17. Mail the completed form to the Department of Motor Vehicles at the specified address.

Your Questions, Answered

What is the purpose of the CA DMV SR1 form?

The CA DMV SR1 form is used to report traffic accidents that occur in California. It is required to be submitted to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) if there was an injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. This form ensures that the DMV has a record of the accident, which is important for maintaining accurate driving records and for insurance purposes.

Who is required to file the SR1 form?

Any driver involved in a traffic accident in California must file the SR1 form, regardless of who was at fault. This requirement applies to all drivers and vehicle owners, ensuring that all accidents are reported to the DMV. Additionally, an insurance agent or attorney can file the report on behalf of the driver if necessary.

What information do I need to provide on the SR1 form?

You will need to provide various details, including the date and location of the accident, the names and addresses of all parties involved, vehicle information, and insurance details. It is also important to include information about any injuries or property damage that occurred as a result of the accident.

What happens if I do not file the SR1 form on time?

If you fail to file the SR1 form within 10 days of the accident, you may face consequences such as the suspension of your driver’s license. Timely reporting is essential to avoid penalties, so it’s crucial to submit the form as soon as possible after the accident.

Can I submit the SR1 form electronically?

Currently, the SR1 form must be printed, completed, and mailed to the DMV. There is no option for electronic submission. Be sure to send it to the correct address to ensure it is processed promptly.

What if I don’t have all the information required on the form?

If you do not have complete information about the other party involved in the accident, you can indicate “unknown” or “none” in the relevant fields. However, providing as much information as possible is beneficial for accurate record-keeping and for your insurance claim.

What is the minimum insurance coverage required in California?

California law requires drivers to have a minimum level of insurance coverage to be considered financially responsible. This includes $15,000 for injury or death of one person, $30,000 for injury or death of two or more people, and $5,000 for property damage per accident. It’s important to ensure your policy meets these minimums.

What should I do if I was injured in the accident?

If you were injured in the accident, it’s crucial to document your injuries and seek medical attention. You should also report the injury on the SR1 form, including the names and addresses of any individuals injured. This information is vital for insurance claims and potential legal actions.

How do I submit additional information if needed?

If you have additional information to provide, you can attach a separate piece of paper to the SR1 form. Make sure to check the box indicating that additional information is attached. This allows the DMV to consider all relevant details when processing your report.

Where do I send the completed SR1 form?

The completed SR1 form should be mailed to the Department of Motor Vehicles, Financial Responsibility Mail Station J237, P.O. Box 942884, Sacramento, CA 94284-0884. Ensure that you send it to this address to avoid delays in processing.

Common mistakes

  1. Incomplete Information: Many people forget to fill out all required fields. Missing details like the date of the accident or the driver's name can lead to delays or complications.

  2. Incorrect Insurance Information: Providing inaccurate insurance details, such as the wrong policy number or NAIC number, can result in your report being considered invalid. Always double-check this information.

  3. Not Reporting All Damages: Some individuals fail to list all property damage. It’s essential to include damages to items like fences or telephone poles to ensure a complete report.

  4. Missing the Deadline: Submitting the SR1 form late can lead to serious consequences, including a suspended driver’s license. Make sure to file within the required 10 days after the accident.

Documents used along the form

When dealing with traffic accidents in California, the SR1 form is just one of several important documents that may be required. Each of these forms serves a specific purpose in the aftermath of an accident, ensuring that all necessary information is properly documented and reported. Below is a list of related forms and documents that are often used alongside the SR1 form.

  • SR 1A Form: This document is used to report the status of an insurance policy at the time of the accident. If the policy was not in effect, this form must be completed and returned to the DMV within 20 days. It provides crucial information about the insurance coverage related to the vehicle involved in the accident.
  • Police Report: A police report is generated by law enforcement after responding to an accident. It includes details such as the time, location, and circumstances of the incident. This report can be important for insurance claims and legal proceedings, as it provides an official account of the accident.
  • Insurance Claim Form: After an accident, individuals typically file a claim with their insurance company to seek compensation for damages. This form provides the insurance company with necessary details about the accident, including the parties involved and the extent of the damages incurred.
  • Driver’s Accident Report: This report is often required by insurance companies and may include personal accounts from drivers involved in the accident. It serves to document each driver's perspective on the events leading up to and during the accident, which can aid in determining fault.
  • Medical Reports: If injuries occurred during the accident, medical reports detailing the nature and extent of these injuries may be necessary. These documents are essential for insurance claims and potential legal actions, as they provide evidence of the injuries sustained and the associated medical expenses.

Understanding these documents can significantly streamline the process of addressing the aftermath of a traffic accident. Each form plays a vital role in ensuring that all parties involved have their rights protected and that the necessary information is conveyed to the appropriate authorities and insurance companies.

Similar forms

The California DMV SR1 form is essential for reporting traffic accidents. However, it shares similarities with several other documents that also deal with accident reporting and insurance information. Below are five documents that are similar to the SR1 form, each serving a specific purpose related to accidents and insurance.

  • Accident Report Form (Police Report): This document is completed by law enforcement officers at the scene of an accident. It includes details such as the time, location, and parties involved. Like the SR1 form, it serves as an official record of the incident, but it is generated by police rather than by the individuals involved.
  • Insurance Claim Form: When filing a claim with an insurance company after an accident, this form is necessary. It requests information about the accident and the damages incurred. Similar to the SR1, it requires details about the parties involved and the nature of the damages, but it is primarily focused on obtaining compensation rather than reporting to the DMV.
  • DMV Report of Traffic Accident (SR-1A): This form is used when an insurance policy was not in effect at the time of the accident. It must be submitted to the DMV within 20 days. Like the SR1, it is part of the DMV’s requirements for reporting accidents and ensuring compliance with financial responsibility laws.
  • Financial Responsibility Certificate: This document proves that a driver has the minimum required insurance coverage. It is similar to the SR1 in that it addresses the financial responsibility of drivers, ensuring they have adequate coverage in case of an accident.
  • Accident Investigation Report: Often prepared by insurance adjusters, this report details the findings from an investigation into the accident. It includes analysis of fault and damages. Like the SR1 form, it is used to assess liability and damages, but it is typically more comprehensive and used internally by insurance companies.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the California DMV SR1 form, there are several important dos and don'ts to keep in mind. Here’s a helpful list:

  • Do print clearly and use black or blue ink.
  • Do provide complete information about all parties involved in the accident.
  • Do include the correct NAIC number for your insurance company.
  • Do check the box for additional information if you're attaching any extra documents.
  • Don’t leave any fields blank. Use "unk" or "none" if you don’t have the information.
  • Don’t forget to mail the completed form to the correct DMV address within the required timeframe.

Following these guidelines will help ensure that your report is processed smoothly and efficiently.

Misconceptions

The SR1 form from the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is often misunderstood. Below are some common misconceptions about this important document, along with clarifications.

  • Misconception 1: The SR1 form only needs to be filed if I am at fault for the accident.
  • This is incorrect. The law requires that the SR1 form be submitted regardless of who is at fault in the accident.

  • Misconception 2: I can report the accident to my insurance company and not file the SR1 form.
  • Filing the SR1 form is mandatory and must be done in addition to any reports made to insurance companies or law enforcement agencies.

  • Misconception 3: The SR1 form is only for accidents involving injuries.
  • The form must be filed for any accident that results in property damage exceeding $1,000, regardless of injuries.

  • Misconception 4: I have more than 10 days to file the SR1 form.
  • California law mandates that the SR1 form must be submitted within 10 days of the accident if there are injuries, deaths, or significant property damage.

  • Misconception 5: I do not need to file the SR1 form if the accident occurred on private property.
  • Accidents on private property still require an SR1 form to be filed if they meet the criteria of injury, death, or property damage over $1,000.

  • Misconception 6: Only the driver needs to fill out the SR1 form.
  • Any party involved in the accident can file the SR1 form, including passengers or representatives of the driver.

  • Misconception 7: I can ignore the SR1 form if I have comprehensive insurance.
  • Comprehensive insurance does not fulfill the requirement for filing the SR1 form, which is mandated by California law.

  • Misconception 8: The SR1 form is confidential and not available to the public.
  • While some information is protected, the SR1 form is generally considered a public record and can be accessed by individuals with a proper interest.

  • Misconception 9: I can submit the SR1 form electronically.
  • Currently, the SR1 form must be mailed to the DMV. Electronic submission is not an option.

Understanding these misconceptions can help ensure compliance with California law and protect driving privileges.

Key takeaways

When filling out the California DMV SR1 form, keep these key takeaways in mind:

  • Timeliness is crucial. You must submit the SR1 form within 10 days of the accident if there were injuries, deaths, or property damage exceeding $1,000.
  • Ensure all information is accurate. Incomplete or incorrect details may lead to delays or penalties.
  • Financial responsibility is required. California law mandates that drivers maintain minimum insurance coverage for injuries and property damage.
  • Use clear, legible handwriting. If you are printing, ensure that all information is easily readable.
  • Include any additional information. If necessary, attach a separate sheet for further details and check the box indicating additional information is attached.
  • Identify all parties involved. Be sure to list drivers, passengers, and any injured individuals accurately.
  • Mail the form correctly. Send the completed SR1 to the specified DMV address to ensure it is processed properly.
  • Consult your insurance company. Provide complete insurance details, including the NAIC number, to avoid issues with your coverage.