Nobody wants to be involved in a car accident. But should that happen, it is helpful to have some of the necessary information readily available. Being prepared in advance and knowing what to do and what not to do can be very helpful.
Info to Have Available
(The Glovebox Is a Good Location to Keep these documents)- Insurance ID Cards
- Vehicle Registration
- Emergency Contacts
- Health Insurance Cards
- Make sure your phone is charged
- If your insurance company has Mobile app., have it installed on your smart phone. It’ll come in super-handy at the accident scene and throughout the car repair process.
Safety
- If it is a minor accident, move the vehicles to a safe place out of the way of traffic.
- Make sure your car is in park, turn off your vehicle and turn on the hazard lights.
- In some situations you can use cones, warning triangles or flairs for added safety.
Assess Damages – Call for Help
- Are you or anyone in your car or the other car injured? If anyone is hurt, call 911, don’t move them and wait for help.
- Do not leave the scene of the accident.
- Calling 911 will notify all emergency vehicles for your situation.
- If your car is not drivable you need to call for roadside assistance, this may be an option of your insurance company.
Gather Information
- Drivers and passengers: names and contact information
- Vehicle descriptions (make, model, year)
- Driver’s license numbers
- License plate numbers
- Insurance companies and policy numbers
- Eyewitnesses: names and contact information
- Accident scene location and/or address
- Police officer’s name and badge number.
- If possible, use your cell phone to take photos of all vehicles involved and the accident scene.
- Do not sign any document unless it’s for the police or your insurance agent.
- Be polite, but don’t tell anyone the accident was your fault, even if you think it was. You will speak to your insurance company and they will contact the other driver’s insurance company.