What to Do After a Car Accident? Here’s an Insurance Checklist 

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What to Do After a Car Accident: An Insurance Checklist

A car accident can be stressful, confusing, and overwhelming—especially if it’s your first one. Knowing exactly what to do in the moments and days after an accident can protect your health, your finances, and your insurance claim.

Use this step-by-step insurance checklist to stay calm, stay safe, and avoid costly mistakes.

1️⃣ Make Safety the Top Priority

Before thinking about insurance or paperwork, focus on safety.

✔️ Check yourself and others for injuries
✔️ Move to a safe location if vehicles are drivable
✔️ Turn on hazard lights
✔️ Call 911 immediately if anyone is injured

🚨 Important: Even minor accidents can cause injuries that aren’t obvious right away. When in doubt, get medical attention.

2️⃣ Call the Police (Yes—Even for Minor Accidents)

A police report can be one of the most important pieces of documentation for your insurance claim.

  • Provides an official record of the accident

  • Helps establish fault

  • Prevents disputes later

📝 Ask how to obtain a copy of the police report—you’ll likely need it when filing your claim.

3️⃣ Exchange Information With the Other Driver

Collect the following from everyone involved:

✔️ Full name and contact information
✔️ Insurance company & policy number
✔️ Driver’s license number
✔️ License plate number
✔️ Vehicle make, model, and year

📸 Pro tip: Take photos of insurance cards and driver’s licenses to avoid mistakes.

4️⃣ Document the Scene Thoroughly

The more evidence you have, the smoother your claim will be.

Take photos of:

  • Vehicle damage (close-up and wide shots)

  • The accident scene

  • Road conditions, skid marks, and traffic signs

  • Weather and lighting conditions

If there are witnesses, politely ask for:

  • Names

  • Phone numbers

  • A brief description of what they saw

5️⃣ Be Careful What You Say

It’s natural to want to apologize—but avoid admitting fault, even casually.

🚫 Don’t say:

  • “It was my fault”

  • “I didn’t see you”

  • “I’m sorry, I caused this”

✔️ Stick to facts when speaking with police and the other driver.

Fault is determined later by insurance companies based on evidence—not roadside conversations.

6️⃣ Notify Your Insurance Company Promptly

Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible, even if the accident wasn’t your fault.

You’ll typically need:

  • Date, time, and location of the accident

  • Description of what happened

  • Photos and police report (if available)

⏱️ Delaying notification can slow down—or even jeopardize—your claim.

7️⃣ Understand What Your Auto Insurance Covers

Depending on your policy, coverage may include:

  • Liability Coverage: Damage or injuries you cause to others

  • Collision Coverage: Damage to your vehicle

  • Comprehensive Coverage: Non-collision damage (theft, vandalism, weather)

  • Medical Payments / PIP: Medical expenses for you and passengers

  • Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist: Protection if the other driver lacks adequate insurance

👉 Not sure what you have? This is where a trusted insurance agent can help.

8️⃣ Decide Whether to File a Claim

Sometimes, paying out of pocket for minor damage may make sense—especially if repairs cost less than your deductible.

Consider:

  • Estimated repair costs

  • Your deductible

  • Potential impact on future premiums

📌 An independent insurance agent can help you weigh your options before filing.

9️⃣ Get Your Vehicle Repaired the Right Way

  • Use a repair shop approved by your insurer—or one you trust

  • Keep copies of estimates and invoices

  • Ask about rental car coverage if your vehicle is undrivable

🚘 Some policies include rental reimbursement—others don’t.

🔟 Follow Up and Keep Records

Create a simple claim file that includes:

  • Police report

  • Photos and videos

  • Medical bills and repair invoices

  • Emails and notes from conversations

Good documentation = fewer headaches.

Bonus Tip: Review Your Insurance After the Accident

A car accident is often a wake-up call.

It may be time to:

  • Adjust coverage limits

  • Add uninsured motorist coverage

  • Consider an umbrella policy

  • Re-shop rates with multiple carriers

💡 This is where working with an independent insurance agency really pays off.

You can experience being a part of and full-serviced independent Insurance Agency today! Simply contact Briggs Agency Inc, if you are interested in an insurance review at 219-769-4840 or visit our website at www.BriggsAgency.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

 

Blog post written by: Zachary Pelke