Can You Do a TAC Claim Without a Police Report?

You’ve been in an accident, you’re injured, and you need to make a TAC claim, but the police weren’t called to the scene. Perhaps it seemed minor at the time, or maybe you and the other driver resolved the issue privately. Now you’re wondering: can you do a TAC claim without a police report?

The short answer is yes, but the reality isn’t quite that simple. While you can technically lodge a TAC claim without a police report, having one makes the entire process smoother and strengthens your case considerably. Here’s what you need to know about making a claim when there’s no police documentation of your accident.

Key Insights

• You can lodge a TAC claim without a police report, but it may complicate the process
• Public transport accidents don’t require police reports, only an incident report from the operator
• Road accidents typically need a police event number, though alternatives exist
• You can obtain a police report after the fact by applying through Victoria Police
• Alternative evidence (photos, witness details, medical records) becomes critical when there’s no police report
• Legal help can significantly improve your chances if documentation is incomplete

The Short Answer: Yes, But It’s More Complicated

You can submit a TAC claim without a police report, but you’ll face extra scrutiny during the assessment process. The TAC’s official requirements list a police report number as part of the information they ask for when you lodge a claim – but they also acknowledge that not every accident involves police attendance.

What matters most to the TAC is proving that your injuries resulted from a transport accident. Without a police report providing that third-party verification, you’ll need stronger alternative evidence to support your claim. This means more detailed documentation, more witnesses, and a clearer paper trail connecting your injuries to the accident.

When a Police Report is Actually Required

Here’s where it gets specific. Under Victoria’s Road Safety Act 1986, you’re legally required to report certain types of accidents to police. This applies when:

• Someone is injured or killed
• There’s significant property damage
• A driver leaves the scene
• One party doesn’t have insurance or a valid licence

For public transport accidents involving trams, trains, or buses, you don’t need a police report. Instead, you report the incident directly to the transport operator and obtain their incident report number. That’s sufficient for your TAC claim.

But for standard road accidents? The TAC expects you to report the accident to the police and provide either a police event number or the attending officer’s details. If you haven’t done this yet, it’s not too late.

What to Do If Police Didn’t Attend Your Accident

If police didn’t come to your accident scene, you’ve got two options:

Option 1: Apply for a traffic accident report retrospectively

Victoria Police allows you to report accidents after the fact. You can do this online through their reporting portal or by visiting your local police station. You’ll need to provide:

• Date, time, and location of the accident
• Details of all vehicles involved (registration numbers, make, model)
• Contact information for other drivers and witnesses
• A description of what happened
• Photos of damage (if you took any)

This generates an official police event number you can use for your TAC claim.

Option 2: Lodge your claim with alternative evidence

If obtaining a police report isn’t possible, you can still proceed with your claim. You’ll need to provide comprehensive alternative documentation, which we’ll cover in the next section.

Alternative Evidence You Can Provide for Your TAC Claim

When you’re making a TAC claim without a police report, the burden of proof shifts entirely to you. The TAC needs to verify that your accident happened and that your injuries are genuine. Strengthen your claim with:

Detailed Accident Records 

Write down everything you remember about the accident while it’s fresh. Include the exact location, time, weather conditions, and a step-by-step description of what happened. The more specific, the better.

Photos and Videos

If you took photos of damage or conditions at the scene, these become invaluable. Even photos taken days later showing your injuries or ongoing vehicle damage can help.

Witness Statements

Anyone who witnessed the accident should provide written statements. Get their full names, contact details, and a description of what they observed. Independent witnesses carry significant weight.

Medical Documentation

This is non-negotiable. You need written evidence from your doctor, hospital discharge summaries, or a Certificate of Capacity detailing your injuries. The TAC requires this regardless of whether you have a police report.

Other Driver’s Details

If you exchanged information with the other driver, keep records of their name, licence number, registration, insurance details, and contact information. If they admitted fault or made statements at the scene, document these.

Dashcam Footage

If your vehicle or nearby vehicles had dashcams running, this footage can effectively replace a police report by showing exactly what happened.

Why a Police Report Strengthens Your TAC Claim

A police report provides independent, third-party verification of your accident. It removes the “he said, she said” element that can complicate claims. Police reports typically include:

• An objective account of the accident circumstances
• Details of all parties involved
• Weather and road conditions
• Any traffic offences observed
• Preliminary assessments of fault
• Location diagrams

This documentation fast-tracks the TAC’s decision-making process. Claims with police reports are generally accepted faster and with fewer questions. Without one, you can expect the TAC to request additional information, conduct more thorough investigations, and potentially take longer to make a decision.

The TAC isn’t trying to make things difficult – they’re managing public funds and need to prevent fraudulent claims. A police report gives them confidence that your claim is legitimate.

Get Expert Help with Your TAC Claim

Navigating a TAC claim without a police report can be challenging, particularly when you’re recovering from injuries and dealing with medical appointments. The TAC may request additional evidence, question details of your accident, or reject certain aspects of your claim.

This is where experienced TAC claim lawyers make a real difference. At Henry Carus + Associates, we’ve helped hundreds of Victorians secure the compensation they deserve, even when documentation is incomplete. We know exactly what evidence the TAC needs, how to present it effectively, and how to handle objections or rejections.

Your injuries deserve proper treatment and support. Whether you have a police report or not, you have options. For more guidance on the TAC claims process, read our guide to making a TAC claim or learn about lodging a TAC claim after a small accident. Understanding the reasons TAC rejects claims and theTAC claim time limits can also help you avoid common pitfalls.