How to Get an Accident Report in Pretoria - Step-by-Step Guide

Overview: What is an accident report and why you need one in Pretoria

An accident report (police docket or case number) documents the facts recorded by the responding officer after a road collision. In Pretoria (City of Tshwane) the South African Police Service (SAPS) or authorised traffic officers attend many crashes and create an official record. This report is essential for insurance claims, vehicle repairs, proof for third-party disputes, and selling a damaged vehicle. If you have an accident-damaged car in Pretoria, getting the report promptly helps move claims and repairs forward without unnecessary delays.

When to get the report vs when to wait and document yourself

If police attend the scene, they will normally issue a case number or accident docket. Always request the officer’s name and the docket/case number at the scene. If police do not attend (minor collisions), document the scene yourself with photos, names, ID numbers and contact details and then report the incident at your nearest SAPS station as soon as possible. For Pretoria residents, some busy emergency cases mean a delayed police visit; a station report can usually be opened afterwards.

Immediate actions at the scene

• Ensure safety first: call 10111 for urgent police/medical assistance in South Africa.
• Take clear photos of all vehicles, damage, licence plates and the surrounding scene.
• Exchange particulars: full names, ID numbers, phone numbers, vehicle registration, and insurer details.
• Get the attending officer’s name and station and the case/docket number if available.

How to request a copy of the accident report in Pretoria

There are two common ways to obtain the official accident report in Pretoria:

1. Visit the attending SAPS station or the station that opened the docket

Bring your ID and as much information as you have (case number, date/time, location, vehicle reg). The station will advise whether the docket is available for a certified copy or whether you must submit a formal request. Processing times vary by station and workload.

2. Contact the station by phone or email

If you cannot return in person, phone the station that recorded the incident (ask the attending officer’s details) and request guidance on obtaining a copy. Some stations accept email requests or can advise about fees and ID requirements. Keep a record of the contact and any reference numbers.

If you need help understanding the next steps after you have the report, our overview of how we buy damaged vehicles explains the sales and collection process for accident-damaged cars in South Africa: About / How it works.

When to involve your insurer, lender or fleet manager

Report the accident to your insurer as soon as you have the case number - insurers typically require the police docket to open a claim. If the vehicle is under finance, notify the lender immediately; the lender may require specific documents before authorising repairs or transfer. For fleet managers in Pretoria, keep the company’s fleet admin informed and forward the police report promptly. For guidance on selling non-running vehicles, including paperwork considerations, see our Sell Non-Running Car page: Sell Non-Running Car.

Legal & paperwork steps in South Africa after receiving the accident report

The police docket is a primary document for insurers and for any legal follow-up. Keep original copies securely and provide certified or scanned copies to your insurer, lender, repairer or potential buyer. If you plan to sell a written-off or salvage vehicle, the accident report will be part of the disclosure documentation. If the vehicle must be deregistered or transferred, confirm requirements with the insurer and the licensing authority.

Typical documents you may need

• Police accident report or case number (original or certified copy).
• Your ID document and proof of ownership (vehicle registration book or licence disc details).
• Insurance policy number and claim reference.
• If applicable, finance agreement or lender release letter.

When to sell vs repair (practical Pretoria examples)

Deciding whether to repair or sell depends on repair cost versus vehicle market value and how urgently you need a replacement. For example, if a 10-year-old hatchback in Pretoria faces structural repairs that are comparable to its retail value, many owners choose a cash sale rather than committing to costly repairs. Use the police report and repair estimates when comparing options.

Tips to maximise claim or resale outcomes

• Keep clear digital copies of the accident report and scene photos - insurers and buyers prefer complete records.
• Obtain at least two independent repair estimates in Pretoria to compare costs and timelines.
• If selling, disclose the accident details and provide the police report to build trust with buyers or brokers.
• If the vehicle is non-running or written off, review specialised options for selling damaged cars - see Sell Damaged Cars for details on nationwide collection and paperwork help: Sell Damaged Cars.

Repair cost vs value retained (estimates for South Africa)

Notes: figures are illustrative estimates for South Africa and will vary by model, extent of damage and market demand in Pretoria. Use local repair quotes to refine decisions.

Damage types vs typical offer impact

What happens after you obtain the report

With the police docket in hand you can open an insurance claim, obtain repair quotes, or prepare for a sale. If you choose to sell a damaged vehicle in Pretoria or elsewhere in South Africa, services that buy cars in any condition can accept the police report as part of the paperwork and arrange collection. For a quick online valuation and details on how nationwide collection and paperwork handling works, you can start at our homepage: Sell Your Damaged Car home.

Practical checklist for Pretoria residents

• Get the officer’s name and docket number at the scene.
• Visit or contact the SAPS station that opened the docket for a copy.
• Provide the report to your insurer and lender and get repair estimates.
• If selling, disclose the accident report to the buyer and keep a digital copy ready; learn how specialised buyers handle damaged vehicles: About / How it works.

Sources

• South African Police Service (SAPS) official website - guidance on crime and incident reporting in South Africa.
• Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) - road safety and collision data for South Africa.
• AA South Africa - practical advice on accident procedures and insurance steps.
• Santam (insurer) - claims guidance - insurer guidance on paperwork and police dockets for claim submissions.

If you need practical help turning an accident-damaged vehicle into a fast sale after obtaining your police report, a specialised buyer can assist with paperwork, deregistration and nationwide collection. For focused options on selling vehicles with damage or that no longer run, see our Sell Damaged Cars and Sell Non-Running Car pages for full details on how those processes work: Sell Damaged Cars and Sell Non-Running Car.