What to do After a Car Accident

Not sure what to do immediately following an automobile accident? Read The Zebra's step-by-step guide on the proper moves to make after a collision.
Location pin icon
No junk mail. No spam calls. Free quotes.

Why you can trust The Zebra

The Zebra partners with some of the companies we write about. However, our content is written and reviewed by an independent team of editors and licensed agents. Reference our data methodology and learn more about how we make money.

Author profile picture

Renata Balasco

Senior Content Strategist

Renata joined The Zebra in 2020 as a Customer Experience Agent. Since 2021, she has worked as licensed insurance professional and content strategist.…

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
Author profile picture

Ross Martin

Insurance Writer

Ross joined The Zebra as a writer and researcher in 2019. He specializes in writing insurance content to help shoppers make informed decisions.

Ross h…

Credentials
  • 5+ years in the Insurance Industry

Nine steps to take after a car accident

It’s important to understand the necessary steps to take after an accident to ensure everyone is safe and which precautions to take to minimize complications down the line.

Read on to learn what steps to take after a car accident.


Step 1: Check yourself and passengers for injuriesTheZebra-Unlimited-Medical.width-200.png

 

Before springing into action and assessing the damage to your vehicle, the most important first step you can take is to make sure that you and your passengers are physically unharmed. If anyone is injured, call 911 right away. If someone has sustained serious injuries, do not move them until emergency personnel arrive. 

 

Step 2: Get to a safe place

If your vehicle is driveable and is in the way at its current location, moving your car to the side of the road is your next step. Put your hazard lights on while operating the vehicle and while it sits on the side of the road. If it is not moveable, leave the car where it is and get yourself to safety.

 

Step 3: Call 911

Phone_Icon_266px_RF_R1.png

 

No matter the severity of the accident, calling 911 and filing an accident report is essential. Many insurance companies will ask for a copy of the police report during the claims process, as a recent, factual and accurate account of the accident serves as supporting documentation when assessing fault and processing your auto insurance claim.

 

 

 

Step 4: Exchange information 

If the incident involves multiple vehicles, exchange contact and insurance information with all other parties. Gather and share the following information:icon-id-cards

  • Full name
  • Contact information, including phone numbers, email addresses and other details. 
  • Insurance company and policy number
  • Driver’s license number
  • License plate number
  • Make, model and color of vehicle
  • Location of accident
  • Officer’s name and badge number
  • Witness contact information
Tip: Avoid discussing fault with the other driver
Zebra Tip: Avoid discussing fault with the other driver

Insurance companies will determine fault once they have all the facts, including an inspection, documentation, reports and photographs. It is important to avoid discussing responsibility, placing blame, or admitting fault. 

 

Step 5: Document the accidentIcon-Accident

When police officers arrive, fill out the accident report in as much detail as possible. Ask the officer where you can get a copy of this report. Gather the responding officer’s name and badge number. Pictures are also an important part of claims processing, so take photos of both vehicles with your cell phone to present to your insurance company. Talk to witnesses if there are any and gather contact information from them if they are comfortable. 

 

Step 6: File a claim

You can file your insurance claim right from the scene of the accident from your insurance company’s website, mobile app, or by calling customer service. Beginning the claims process right away means the steps necessary to close the claim are already in motion; with details fresh in your mind, police on the scene and the technologies available from mobile apps, contacting your insurance company right away can speed up the claims process.

 

Step 7: Use roadside assistance 

If your vehicle is not able to be driven after the accident, use roadside assistance through whatever provider you have. You may have the car transported to the auto body shop of your choice. 

 

Step 8: Make your inspection appointment

 

Wreck_iconOnce you’ve filed your claim, your insurance company will want to send out a claims adjuster to inspect your vehicle and assess the damage. If your car isn’t safe to drive, the insurance adjuster will come to you.

 

 

 

Step 9: Vehicle repairs and follow-up

After the inspection, you may have your vehicle repaired at the shop of your choice. If you have rental reimbursement on your car insurance coverage, you can use a rental car until your personal car is repaired and ready to be driven again. Stay in contact with your mechanic and insurance agent by tracking the claims process online and receiving regular updates on the status of the repairs from the auto body shop.


How to handle insurance after a car accident

Once all of these steps are completed, your insurer will inform you of their decision and how this auto accident affects your insurance policy and premiums going forward. Your provider will be in touch with the other party’s provider if the accident involved another vehicle or medical treatments.

While it's possible that a collision can happen anytime, it doesn't hurt to be prepared for such an event. Keeping these steps in mind will streamline the insurance claims process, ensure that the proper measures are taken at the scene, and help you stay calm during this otherwise stressful event.

How to stay prepared for accidents

You never know when a collision might occur, so it's important to keep all of your important information and safety items in your car at all times.

  • Safety kit: this might include a flashlight, tow rope, first aid kit and winter preparedness items. 
  • ID cards
  • Vehicle registration
  • Emergency contact information
  • Health insurance cards
  • Paper and pen for recording details

Protect your car with the right insurance coverage at the best value.

Location pin icon
No junk mail. No spam calls. Free quotes.

Related Questions

Other people are also asking...

I swerved to miss a deer in the road, wrecked my car, and now my insurance company is saying that I'm considered at fault. Why is that?

Hitting an animal in the road falls under the category of a comprehensive insurance claim because animals do not follow road laws and can't be expected to avoid cars or roadways. It's the same general principle as hail damage. The incident changes to an at fault accident when you swerve t…
Apr 10, 2016 Newton, KS

If my car was hit by a family member, can I claim the damage with my insurance company to help them avoid a higher rate?

You could claim the damage as a hit-and-run, but that's technically not what happened so I would avoid lying to your insurance company. I would recommend getting a repair estimate first so you can factor that into your decision. The only way to avoid causing an increase to your family member&#…
Nov 20, 2016 Sacramento, CA

Will an unreported car accident affect my premium?

If you were never cited for the accident and never filed a claim, there should be no insurance record of your accident. Insurance companies generally run two reports when you sign up for new insurance — your motor vehicle report (MVR) and another for claims history (CLUE). If they're clean, th…
Jun 1, 2020 Houston, TX

What do I do if a tree falls on my car?

If you have comprehensive coverage then there should be no issue filing a comprehensive claim with Travelers and getting your vehicle repaired. Your insurance company would also handle any issues with your apartment complex being liable for the damage. When you reach out to Travelers you should spe…
Dec 5, 2016 Fremont, CA

About The Zebra

The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.

  • The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
  • The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
  • The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
  • The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.