Car crashes happen more often than you might guess. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 5 million vehicle accidents occur every year. During these accidents, adrenaline kicks in, and it’s easy to forget what information you need.
For this reason, we have compiled a simple checklist to help you protect both your safety and your insurance claim. Keep it handy! But remember that different states have different rules, and so this is not legal advice. It is a set of practical steps that work 100% of the time.
Be Prepared Before You Even Drive
Smart drivers get ready before anything happens, and here’s how:
- Keep your current insurance card and vehicle registration in the glove box
- Store emergency contacts and a simple notepad with a pen
- Add a flashlight and a basic first-aid kit; they don’t take up much space and could save your life.
You also need to know the basics about your auto insurance. You can ask your agent to explain your deductible and liability limits in plain English. You can also consider adding uninsured motorist coverage, which can protect you if the other driver is uninsured.
If you have teen drivers at home, then you should set clear rules before you hand over the keys. Studies show teens crash less when rules are firm.
Right After a Crash
After a crash, stay calm and look for injuries. Check yourself. Check your passengers. Stay inside if it feels unsafe outside. Cars flying past can cause a second accident fast.
If possible, move to a safer location nearby. Then call the police immediately, especially if anyone is injured.
There is no need to worry even if there is no police dispatch. Many areas let you file an incident report later. This paperwork supports insurance claims, so don’t skip this step!
Watch What You Say
Be nice but careful with your words. Don’t admit fault or say “I’m sorry”, even if you’re just being polite. Also, avoid guessing what happened when speaking with others at the scene.
Protect your identity, too! You should share:
- Your name
- Insurance details
But don’t provide extra personal information like your home address or driver’s license number unless police need it.
Collect Evidence: Your Claim Protection Checklist
Get these details from the other driver:
- Full name and phone number
- Insurance company and policy number
- License plate and vehicle details
Document everything about the scene:
- Exact location and time
- Weather and road conditions
- Quick notes on what happened
You should also try to obtain names and contact information from witnesses who saw the crash. Ask what they saw and record it.
Take lots of photos! Snap:
- Wide shots showing the whole scene
- Close-ups of damage on all vehicles
- License plates
- Road conditions, traffic signs, and signals
- Skid marks or debris
If you need help remembering all this, consider using free apps like WRECKCHECK. This app helps you walk through each step and store your photos. Or you can also print a checklist and keep it in your glove box.
Start Your Claim ASAP
Call your insurance company or agent right away, as memories can fade quickly. Have these things ready while you are at it:
- Police/incident report number
- Your notes and photos
- Witness contact info
During the call, write down who you talked to and what they said. You might need to tell your story several times. They may include both your insurer and the other driver’s insurer.
What Happens Next
An insurance adjuster or a repair shop will assess the damage. They’ll also ask questions about the accident. Your insurer uses this info to decide what happens with your claim.
Ask clear questions about coverage for:
- Getting your car fixed
- Rental car costs
- Doctor bills and medical costs
What gets covered depends on who was at fault, what insurance you bought, and your state’s laws. Don’t be shy about asking your agent to explain anything confusing!
You need to remember that being prepared before an accident and knowing what to do after one can save you tons of headaches. Take a minute now to check your insurance and put a simple checklist in your car. In the future, you will say thanks!