Published 5 October 2026 · COH Rehab
Start with your health. Call 000 in an emergency and seek appropriate medical care for your injuries. You can deal with reporting and claim paperwork alongside your recovery.
What is a police event number?
An event number is the reference for an incident recorded by NSW Police. Police say reported crashes involving injuries are assigned an event number, which is provided to the person making the report. Keep it with your accident records. NSW Police crash-reporting guidance
Your CTP insurer will separately allocate a claim number when acknowledging your claim. Label each clearly so you can find the right reference when speaking with police, your insurer or your treating team.
How do I get an event number?
If police attended, check the details they gave you. If you do not have the number, contact the attending officer or police station to ask how to obtain it.
For non-urgent reporting assistance, call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444. Have the accident date, location, vehicle details and a brief factual account available. Tell police about injuries and whether officers attended.
If you realise you were injured after leaving the scene, NSW Police advises seeking medical treatment and calling 131 444 to report the injury. The Police Assistance Line can explain whether it can take the report by phone or whether you should report through local police. NSW Police guidance
Do I have 24 hours or 28 days to report it?
These timeframes concern different requirements.
For drivers, mandatory crash-reporting obligations can apply when someone is injured, among other circumstances. Legal Aid NSW explains that reporting must occur as soon as possible and within 24 hours, unless there are exceptional circumstances. Legal Aid NSW crash-reporting guidance
Separately, SIRA’s CTP guidelines require a claimant to report the accident within 28 days unless a police officer attended, and provide the event number to the insurer if available. This CTP timeframe is not permission to delay an earlier reporting obligation. SIRA claims guidelines, clause 4.11
If time has already passed, contact police and the insurer promptly, explain what happened and seek advice about your circumstances.
What if I cannot provide an event number?
Tell the CTP insurer what you have and what is missing. SIRA’s guidelines require the insurer to request other information to verify the accident when a claimant cannot provide an event number. Examples include:
- Photos from the scene
- Witness statements
- A hospital discharge summary
- Property-damage insurance claim information
- CCTV or dashcam footage
If you cannot provide the requested information, the guidelines require a statutory declaration explaining why, including whether police provided an event number. Ask the insurer to clarify what it needs. Missing the number does not automatically make a claim impossible. SIRA alternative-evidence requirements, clauses 4.12–4.13
Is the event number a copy of the police report?
The number identifies the incident. A police crash report is a separate document with a separate request process. Before applying, ask whoever requested information whether they need the reference number or the report itself. NSW Police information
Reporting to police also does not lodge your CTP claim. SIRA advises lodging a personal injury benefits claim within three months, or within 28 days to seek weekly-payment backpay from the day after the crash. Exceptions may apply if these periods have passed. CTP Assist can explain next steps on 1300 656 919. SIRA’s guide for injured people
Keep your recovery moving
Bring available accident and treatment information to your doctor, and explain how your injuries affect everyday activities. Our NSW CTP Certificate of Fitness guide can help you prepare. For the wider pathway, see what to do after a car accident in NSW.
If you need help coordinating rehabilitation after a NSW motor accident, contact COH Rehab on 0477 224 404. We can discuss practical recovery needs and rehabilitation pathways. Funded services begin only when the required referral and insurer approval are in place.
This article provides general information. COH Rehab does not determine claim eligibility or provide legal advice. Your treating practitioner manages medical care; police, your insurer and SIRA can assist with their respective reporting and claim processes.