Can I add an addendum to a police report?

If you submit a police report following an auto accident, and you subsequently need to make a change or add some facts to the report, you may do in most cases. Most jurisdictions stipulate a process you must follow to have a police report amended or additional information inserted.

Get a copy of the police report

To add an addendum to a police report, the first thing you should do is obtain a copy of the report. Check the information for accuracy, especially if your insurer indicates that there is an inaccuracy in the report. Verify the following:

• That all witness are listed correctly
• That the information regarding the car accident is factually correct
• That there is no bias or favoritism expressed by the police officer towards one driver or the other regarding how the facts and information is reported

If you do have concerns about the report, you have the option to correct those errors or fight the validity of the report with the insurance company.

Police report addendum

To correct a police report you must have evidence, information or other documentation that proves the change or addition. This evidence may include pictures, witness statements or video that may have been taken by someone or personal information you provide. Most police departments will allow the reporting officer to change the report once the errors, omissions or mistakes are identified. Other departments many require a more formal process by which you submit the documentation and the documentation is reviewed before the report is modified. In this case you may need to fill out a departmental form.

Talk with an auto accident attorney to further discuss adding an addendum to a police report.