Short Answer

In North Carolina, you cannot force an officer to change a crash report, but you can ask the reporting officer to file a supplemental report correcting objective mistakes (like location, vehicle info, or lane position). Make the request in writing, attach clear proof (photos, video, repair records), and follow up with the agency’s Records Division. Even if the report is not changed, it does not control civil fault or your insurance rights.

Understanding the Problem

You want to know if, in North Carolina, you can ask the reporting officer to fix incorrect details in a police crash report and how to do it. Here, no one was hurt, but the insurer denied coverage. This question matters because insurers rely on the report’s facts when deciding fault and coverage, and objective corrections can change those decisions.

Apply the Law

North Carolina officers complete a standardized crash report (DMV-349) after investigating a reported collision. There is no statute that guarantees a correction on demand, but officers may file a supplemental report if they agree an objective error exists. The request goes to the reporting officer through the investigating agency (police department, sheriff’s office, or NC State Highway Patrol troop office). There is no set statutory deadline to request a correction, but acting promptly improves your chances. Separate from the report, North Carolina generally allows three years to file a civil claim for property damage.

Key Requirements

• Get the official report: Obtain the DMV-349 so you can identify exact errors by page/box number.
• Identify objective mistakes: Focus on facts that can be proven wrong (lane, direction, date/time, location, VIN, plate, insurance info), not the officer’s opinions.
• Gather proof: Provide photos, video, map screenshots, repair invoices, or witness statements that clearly show the correct facts.
• Ask for a supplemental report: Send a concise written request to the reporting officer via the agency, citing the report number and attaching your evidence.
• Confirm and follow up: Check with the Records Division to see if a supplement was filed and, if needed, send the corrected materials to your insurer.

What the Statutes Say

• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 20-166.1 (Crash investigations and reports) - Officers investigate reported crashes and submit reports; the report itself does not control civil liability.
• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 1-52 (Three-year limitations period) - General three-year deadline for property damage claims, which can matter if insurance will not resolve the loss.

Analysis

Apply the Rule to the Facts: Start by getting the official report so you can pinpoint what’s wrong. Because there were no injuries, objective items like lane position, location, and vehicle details may be the most important to correct. If you can show, for example, photos of your car in the turn lane and debris patterns, ask the officer for a supplemental report to fix those fields. Even if the officer does not change opinions, you can still present your evidence to insurers and in any civil claim.

Process & Timing

1. Who files: You (or your attorney). Where: The reporting agency (local Police Department Records Division, Sheriff’s Office, or NC State Highway Patrol troop office). What: Request a copy of the crash report (you can order online via NCDOT’s portal), then send a written “supplemental report” request with evidence, citing the report number. When: As soon as you obtain the report; earlier requests (within a few weeks of the crash) are more likely to be considered.
2. Obtain the report: Use the NCDOT Crash Report portal to order the DMV-349 and any available supplements. Agencies typically fulfill online requests within several business days, but timing varies by county and agency. Order a crash report (NCDOT).
3. Officer review and outcome: The officer may agree and file a supplemental report. If denied, send your evidence and a written statement to your insurer and the other driver’s insurer, and preserve your claim within North Carolina’s three-year property damage deadline.

Exceptions & Pitfalls

• Disputed fault vs. objective errors: Officers rarely revise subjective assessments; focus on concrete facts you can prove.
• No formal appeal: There is no statewide appeal process to force a change; a clear, respectful written request with strong proof works best.
• Agency differences: Each agency has its own process. Ask how to submit materials and confirm receipt by the Records Division.
• Evidence quality: Poor or ambiguous photos or maps lead to denials. Label images, show scale/direction, and tie them to specific report boxes.
• Deadlines elsewhere: The crash report process has no set statutory clock, but your insurance policy notice requirements and North Carolina’s three-year limit for property damage claims still apply.

Conclusion

In North Carolina, you can request—but not require—the reporting officer to correct objective inaccuracies in the DMV-349 crash report by submitting a written, evidence-backed request to the agency and asking for a supplemental report. This report does not decide civil fault. Next step: get the report, identify specific errors, and email or deliver a concise supplement request to the reporting officer through the agency’s Records Division as soon as possible.

Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney

If you're dealing with a crash report that contains errors and an insurer is relying on it, our firm has experienced attorneys who can help you understand your options and timelines. Call us today at 919-341-7055.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about North Carolina law based on the single question stated above. It is not legal advice for your specific situation and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws, procedures, and local practice can change and may vary by county. If you have a deadline, act promptly and speak with a licensed North Carolina attorney.