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Private Property Collision Reporting

The Columbia Police Department (CPD) is implementing a new Alternate Response Model for collisions occurring on private property. For public educational awareness, a video explanation of the change is included.

Please note, in South Carolina, a form called an FR-309 is required for documentation purposes:

According to South Carolina Law 56-5-1270, the driver or owner of a vehicle which is in any manner involved in an accident that is not investigated by law enforcement that results in total property damages of $1,000 or more, or in death or bodily injury, shall complete and send the FR-309 Form to the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Financial Responsibility, P.O. Box 1498, Blythewood, SC 29016-0040 within 15 days of the collision.

Links to access the FR-309 and CPD’s Policy & Procedures related to Private Property Collisions are attached below. We have also included a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).

Frequently Asked Questions

When will Columbia Police Department (CPD) Officers respond to a collision on private property?

A CPD officer will respond to a private property collision if the incident involves:

  • Personal injury
  • Death
  • Hit-and-run
  • Impaired driving
  • Disturbance between persons involved in a collision

Why do I need to fill out a South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SC DMV) FR-309 Form?

Filling out an FR-309 Form is a requirement by the South Carolina Code of Law: 56-5-1270, which states:

“The driver or owner of a vehicle that is in any manner involved in an accident that is not investigated by law enforcement that results in total property damages of $1,000 or more, bodily injury or death, shall self-report the incident to the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and include an FR-309 form to the DMV, Financial Responsibility, P.O. Box 1498, Blythewood, SC 29016-0040.”

Is a report required for private property damage collisions, under $1,000 (minor damage)?

No, you are not required to report a property damage-only collision under $1,000.

What information should be included in the FR-309 form?

The FR-309 form includes a list of necessary information to be gathered at the collision scene. This includes all parties’ vehicle information, address, phone numbers, vehicle’s VIN, etcetera.

What should I do if the other party (parties) involved in the collision refuses to provide information for the FR-309 form?

Call the City of Columbia’s Non-Emergency Dispatch Center at (803) 252-2911 and request that a CPD officer respond to the incident location.

What should I do if there is an argument between parties’ that escalates or if I do not feel safe at the scene?

For emergencies, call 9-1-1.

What is the deadline to turn in the FR-309 Form to the SC DMV?

Per South Carolina Code of Law: 56-5-1270, the form must be turned in to the SC DMV within 15 days of the collision.

Do I provide my insurance company with the FR-309 form?

Yes, the FR-309 Form includes a section for the insurance agency, broker and other representative to fill out.

Is the FR-309 the only form my insurance company will require?

An insurance company may require additional forms related to the collision.

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