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What to Do After a Car Accident: The Insurance Checklist
A car accident—whether it’s a minor fender bender or a major collision—can leave you feeling shaken, confused, and overwhelmed. Knowing exactly what to do in the moments that follow can make a huge difference when it comes to your safety, your insurance claim, and even your finances.
Here’s your step-by-step insurance checklist for what to do after a car accident, so you’re ready when it matters most.
🚨 Step 1: Check for Injuries and Stay Safe
- First and foremost, check yourself and passengers for injuries.
- If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately.
- Move your vehicle to a safe location (if drivable) to avoid further accidents.
- Turn on your hazard lights and stay calm.
📝 Tip: Never leave the scene of an accident, even if it’s minor.
📞 Step 2: Call the Police (Even for Minor Accidents)
- A police report can be critical for insurance claims, even if the accident seems small.
- In some states, you’re legally required to report accidents involving injury or certain levels of damage.
- When the officer arrives, stick to the facts. Avoid admitting fault—just describe what happened.
🔍 Ask for the officer’s name, badge number, and a copy of the report or the report number.
📸 Step 3: Document the Scene
Use your phone to take clear photos of:
- Vehicle damage (all sides)
- License plates
- Road conditions, skid marks, signs, or signals
- Driver’s license and insurance card of all parties involved
- Any visible injuries
📷 Pro Tip: Take wide-angle shots and close-ups. The more detail, the better.
🗂️ Step 4: Exchange Information
Exchange the following with the other driver(s):
- Full name
- Phone number
- Driver’s license number
- Insurance company and policy number
- Vehicle make, model, and license plate
⚠️ Avoid discussing fault or blaming anyone—let the insurance companies determine liability.
🧾 Step 5: Gather Witness Info
If there are any witnesses:
- Get their names and contact info
- Ask for a brief statement (write it down or record it with their permission)
Witnesses can be incredibly helpful if there’s a dispute later on.
📱 Step 6: Notify Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurer as soon as you’re safe and settled. Most allow you to start a claim:
- Through a mobile app
- On their website
- Over the phone
Share the details you gathered, including the police report number, if applicable.
🛠️ Some insurers offer on-the-spot digital claims processing using photos and AI.
🧾 Step 7: Keep Track of Everything
Create a folder (physical or digital) for:
- Your claim number
- Police report
- Photos and notes from the scene
- Any medical records or bills
- Repair estimates or receipts
This helps speed up the claims process and protect your rights if disputes arise.
🔧 Step 8: Schedule Repairs (if needed)
Your insurer may recommend a repair shop, but you usually have the right to choose where your car is fixed. Be sure to:
- Get an estimate before agreeing to repairs
- Ask if the shop uses OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts
- Confirm what’s covered under your policy
❗ Bonus: What Not to Do After an Accident
- ❌ Don’t admit fault or apologize, even casually
- ❌ Don’t leave the scene before exchanging info
- ❌ Don’t delay reporting the accident to your insurer
- ❌ Don’t post accident details on social media
✅ Final Thoughts
Accidents are stressful, but a clear action plan makes all the difference. By following this insurance checklist, you’ll be in the best position to file a smooth claim, protect yourself legally, and get your car (and life) back on track faster.
Need help filing a claim or choosing the right post-accident coverage? Contact our team or get a quote today—we’re here to help, rain or shine.
Would you like a printable version of this checklist for your customers? Or maybe a one-page infographic or social post? I can put that together for you in no time!