In this guide

After a car accident, first make sure everyone is safe and call 911 if anyone is hurt. Then move out of traffic if you can, exchange information, document the scene, report the crash to police when appropriate, and tell your insurer promptly. Avoid admitting fault or guessing about what happened. The steps below are in the order most people find useful.

Key takeaways

  • Safety comes first: check for injuries, call 911 if needed, and get out of traffic when it is safe to do so.
  • Never leave the scene. If you hit an unattended vehicle, try to find the owner or leave a note with your contact details.
  • Collect names, contact details, license, plate and insurance information, and take photos before cars are moved if possible.
  • Be polite, but stick to facts and don't admit fault. Fault is decided later from the evidence.
  • Report the accident to your insurer as soon as you can. Reporting rules and deadlines for police and DMV vary by state.

The first minutes: safety before paperwork

Adrenaline can hide pain, so treat every crash seriously. Before you think about insurance, check yourself and your passengers. The Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I) advises tending to anyone who is hurt first and calling 911 if there are injuries.

If the cars are drivable and the crash was minor, move them to the shoulder or a safe nearby spot. Turn on your hazard lights. If a car can't be moved, or if anyone may have a neck or back injury, stay put and wait for help. Standing on a busy road to take photos is not worth the risk.

Watch out: Leaving the scene of a crash can be a crime in every state, even for a small fender-bender. If you hit a parked car and can't find the owner, leave a note with your name and phone number and report it to police.

Step-by-step checklist

  1. Call 911 if anyone is injured or if there is serious damage, a blocked road, or a possible drunk or aggressive driver.
  2. Get to safety. Move vehicles out of traffic if they can be driven and nobody is seriously hurt.
  3. Call the police even for minor crashes when your state or local rules call for it. Many drivers want an official report because insurers often use it when handling claims.
  4. Exchange information with the other driver(s). See the list below.
  5. Document everything with photos, notes and witness details.
  6. Be careful what you say. Be courteous, share the facts, and don't admit fault or speculate.
  7. Get medical care if you have any symptoms, and keep records of every visit.
  8. Notify your insurer and start the claim.
  9. Keep a claim file with the claim number, adjuster contact details, receipts and every document.

What information to collect

Triple-I recommends getting the names and contact details of everyone involved, including witnesses. You also want enough information to identify each vehicle and insurer. Try to collect:

  • Full names, phone numbers and addresses of all drivers and passengers
  • Driver's license numbers and license plate numbers
  • Each driver's insurance company and policy number (ask to photograph the insurance ID card)
  • Make, model, color and year of each vehicle
  • The exact location, time of day and weather and road conditions
  • The police officer's name, badge number and the report number
  • Names and phone numbers of any witnesses

Don't be surprised if someone refuses to share details or if the other driver says they have no insurance. Note the plate number, take photos of the vehicle, and tell the police and your insurer. Your own policy may include coverage for this situation, which we explain in our guide to uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.

How to document the scene

Your phone is the best tool you have. If it's safe, take more photos than you think you need:

  • Wide shots showing the position of the cars, lanes, traffic signs and signals
  • Close-ups of all damage on every vehicle, including other drivers' cars
  • License plates and, if allowed, the other driver's license and insurance card
  • Skid marks, broken glass, debris and any road hazards
  • Visible injuries

Write down what happened while it's fresh: where you were going, your speed, which way each car was heading, and what you saw. A voice memo works too. Keep these notes for yourself and your insurer, not as a public post. Avoid posting about the accident on social media, since posts can be used later in a dispute.

What to say, and what not to say

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) advises being courteous but not admitting fault. That doesn't mean being cold. You can check on the other driver and still avoid phrases like "it was all my fault" or "I didn't see you."

Fault is usually decided later, after the insurers review the police report, photos, witness statements and the rules in your state. Something that seems obvious at the scene may turn out differently. How fault matters depends on whether you live in an at-fault or a no-fault state, which we explain in at-fault vs. no-fault states.

Tip: Keep your answers short and factual if the other driver's insurer calls you. You can say you'll discuss the claim with your own insurer first. You are generally expected to cooperate with your own insurer, which has a duty to you that another driver's insurer does not.

Police reports, DMV reports and deadlines

Rules about when you must report a crash differ by state. Many states require a report to police or the DMV when someone is injured or killed, or when property damage passes a set dollar amount. Some also require a driver to file a separate written report within a certain number of days. The limits and deadlines vary, so check your state DMV or highway patrol website.

Even when a report isn't legally required, it's often wise to have one. Triple-I notes that an official report can help if the other driver later disputes what happened or claims an injury, and you generally need it when you make a claim. If police don't come to the scene, ask how to file a report at the station or online.

If you were in a state where you're not a resident, or the crash involved a commercial vehicle, a government vehicle or a hit-and-run, extra steps may apply. For a driver who flees, see hit-and-run accidents: what insurance covers.

Get medical care and keep records

Some injuries, such as whiplash, concussions and internal injuries, don't show symptoms right away. If you feel anything unusual in the hours or days after a crash, see a medical professional and tell them it was caused by a car accident. Keep copies of bills, records and notes about missed work.

Which coverage pays your medical bills depends on your state and policy. In no-fault states, your own personal injury protection (PIP) usually pays first. Elsewhere, medical payments coverage, health insurance or the at-fault driver's liability coverage may be involved. Our guides to personal injury protection and medical payments coverage explain how those work.

Notify your insurer

Triple-I advises telling your insurer as soon as possible, since details fade quickly. Most policies require "prompt notice" of an accident, and waiting too long can complicate a claim. You can usually report by phone, through an app or online.

Have these ready when you call:

  • Your policy number and the date, time and place of the accident
  • A short, factual description of what happened
  • The other driver's details and insurer, if you have them
  • The police report number
  • Photos and witness information

Reporting an accident is not the same as deciding to file a claim for payment, but your policy may require you to report even if you don't plan to claim. If the other driver was at fault, you may be able to claim against their insurer instead, or through your own collision coverage and then let the insurers sort it out. What happens next is covered in how car insurance claims work.

After the first few days

  • Get repair estimates. You can usually choose your own repair shop, though your insurer may suggest preferred shops. Ask your insurer how that works in your state.
  • Ask about a rental car. Coverage for a rental depends on your policy or on the at-fault driver's insurance.
  • Keep paying your premium. A claim doesn't pause your policy.
  • Track every conversation. Write down dates, names and what was said.
  • Don't sign anything you don't understand. That includes releases and settlements, especially if injuries are still being treated.

Accidents can also affect your rates at renewal, depending on fault and your insurer. See how long an accident affects your car insurance for more.

Frequently asked questions

Should I call the police for a minor accident?

If anyone is hurt, call 911. For minor crashes with no injuries, rules vary by state and local police policy. Even when police won't come, you can often file a report afterward, and having one is generally helpful for an insurance claim.

How soon do I have to tell my insurer about an accident?

Policies usually require prompt notice, and Triple-I recommends reporting as soon as possible. Check your policy for its wording, and call even if you think you may not make a claim.

Is it okay to say "sorry" at the scene?

Being polite is fine, but avoid statements that admit fault. Fault is decided later from the evidence, so it's safest to stick to the facts.

What if the other driver asks to settle without insurance?

Be cautious. Damage and injuries can be worse than they look, and a private deal may leave you with no recourse later. It's wise to file a report and notify your insurer before agreeing to anything. A licensed agent or attorney can explain your options.

Do I have to move my car after a crash?

If the cars are drivable and it's safe, moving them out of traffic is usually recommended, and some states require it for minor crashes. If anyone is seriously hurt or a car can't move, stay put and wait for emergency responders.

Sources

General information only. This guide explains general concepts and is not insurance, legal or financial advice. Rules and prices vary by state and insurer. Check your policy documents and speak to a licensed insurance professional or your state insurance department about your situation.