What to do after a crash

What to know

1. Safety first. Call 911 if anyone is hurt. If your car can be driven, move it out of traffic if you can do it safely. Source: NAIC
2. Call the police, especially if anyone is hurt or it's a hit-and-run. Source: NC Department of Insurance
3. Exchange information. Get the other driver's name, address, phone number, plate number, and insurance company and policy number. Copy the insurer and policy number exactly as printed on their proof-of-insurance card. Source: NC Department of Insurance Share your name, address and insurance information too. Source: NAIC
4. Keep your driver's license number to yourself. The NAIC says you don't need to share it with the other driver, because criminals can use it to confirm your identity. Source: NAIC If the other driver won't give you their insurance information, write down their license and plate numbers for your insurer. Source: NAIC
5. Document the scene: the other car's make, model, year and plate; witnesses' names and contact information; the officer's name, badge number, and when and where to get the accident report and its number; and the time, date, exact location, skid marks, weather and road conditions. Take photos or sketch the scene. Source: NAIC
6. File the claim as soon as you can, by calling the number on your insurance card or using your insurer's app. Source: NAIC If someone else caused the damage, contact their insurer too. Source: NC Department of Insurance
7. Work with the adjuster. Your insurer assigns an adjuster to assess the damage and decide the payment. Cooperate, and write down the date and content of every conversation. Source: NAIC

Glovebox checklist

• Everyone okay? Call 911 if not.
• Car moved out of traffic, if it's safe to move it
• Police called
• Other driver: name, address, phone
• Other car: make, model, year, plate
• Their insurer and policy number, copied exactly
• Witnesses' names and phone numbers
• Officer's name, badge number and report number
• Time, date, exact location, weather, road conditions
• Photos of both cars, the scene and the road
• Claim filed with my insurer

Calling your insurer

I'd like to report a claim. I was in a crash today at [place] around [time]. Here's the other driver's insurer and policy number. The police report number is [number]. Can you tell me my claim number and who my adjuster is?

If it doesn't work

• Other driver won't share information? Write down their plate and license numbers and call the police. Source: NAIC
• Disagree with the offer? Try to work it out with the insurer, possibly by having your repair shop meet with you and the adjuster. Ask for a written explanation of each decision. You don't have to accept a payment you don't think is fair. Source: NAIC
• Still stuck? Ask your state insurance department's consumer services for help. If you disagree about the value, check your policy for an appraisal clause. Source: NAIC
• Hit-and-run, or your car was stolen? Call the police promptly. Source: NAIC Uninsured motorist coverage may help; see Auto insurance basics.

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