Start with the scene and the police report
The first thing to do after a car accident is stay at the scene, check for injuries, and call 911 if anyone is hurt or there is significant damage. Even if the accident seems minor, a police report creates an official record that your insurance company will want to see. The police will document the location, time, vehicles involved, and statements from both drivers.
Request a copy of the police report before you leave or get the report number so you can retrieve it later. You will need this document when you file your claim. In some states, police will not respond to minor accidents with no injuries, but you can still file a report yourself at the local police station within a set time frame — usually 24 to 72 hours.
Key Takeaways
- Gather the other driver's name, phone number, address, insurance company name, and policy number at the scene, along with the police report number.
- Take photos of vehicle damage, the accident scene, road conditions, and traffic signs before anything is moved or cleaned up.
- Contact your own insurance company within one to three days and provide them with the police report number, photos, and the other driver's information.
- Your insurer will assign an adjuster who inspects the damage and determines fault based on the police report, witness statements, and physical evidence.
- If the other driver's insurance is responsible, their company will handle the claim; if fault is unclear or disputed, your own collision coverage may cover repairs while liability is determined.
Collect information at the accident scene
Before you leave the scene, write down or photograph the other driver's name, phone number, home address, driver's license number, vehicle make and model, license plate, and insurance company name and policy number. Ask for their contact information directly rather than relying on what they write down — people make mistakes under stress. If there are passengers or witnesses, get their names and phone numbers too.
Take photos of all vehicle damage from multiple angles, the overall accident scene, road conditions, traffic signs, and any skid marks or debris. These photos are evidence and will help your insurance company understand what happened. Do not move vehicles unless they are blocking traffic or creating a safety hazard, because the positions matter for the investigation.
Report the accident to your insurance company
Contact your insurance company within one to three days of the accident. Have the police report number, photos, and the other driver's information ready when you call. Your insurer will ask you to describe what happened, confirm the date and time, and provide the names of any witnesses. Be factual and stick to what you saw — do not speculate about fault or admit fault, because that can affect how your claim is handled.
Your insurance company will assign an claims adjuster to your case. This person inspects the vehicle damage, reviews the police report, and determines who was at fault. The adjuster may contact you to ask follow-up questions or request additional photos or documentation. Respond promptly and provide whatever they ask for.
Understand how fault and coverage work together
If the other driver was clearly at fault and has insurance, their company will pay for your repairs and any medical bills you incurred. This is called a third-party claim because you are claiming against the other person's insurance, not your own. The other driver's insurer will contact you to gather information and may offer a settlement.
If you were at fault or fault is unclear, your own collision coverage will pay for repairs to your vehicle, minus your deductible. Collision coverage is optional, so if you do not have it, you will have to pay for repairs yourself. If the other driver does not have insurance or cannot be identified, your uninsured motorist coverage or uninsured motorist property damage coverage may cover your repairs, depending on your policy.
Fault is not always clear-cut. An adjuster will review the police report, photos, witness statements, and the damage patterns to determine who caused the accident. If both drivers share fault, your state's rules determine how much each person pays. Some states use comparative negligence, meaning each driver pays a percentage based on their share of fault.
What happens during the claims process
After you report the accident, the adjuster will schedule a time to inspect your vehicle. Bring the vehicle to the inspection in the condition it was in after the accident — do not have repairs made before the adjuster sees it, because they need to assess the damage themselves. The inspection usually takes 30 minutes to an hour.
The adjuster will take photos, measure damage, and estimate repair costs. They may use a repair shop of your choice or direct you to one in their network. Once the estimate is approved, you can take your vehicle to the shop. Depending on the damage, repairs can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks.
The entire claims process typically takes two to six weeks from the time you report the accident to the time you receive payment or your vehicle is repaired. If the claim is straightforward and both sides agree on fault, it moves faster. If fault is disputed or injuries are involved, it can take longer.
Handle disputes and denials
If your insurance company denies your claim or offers a settlement you believe is too low, you have options. Request a written explanation of why the claim was denied — the reason must be specific and based on your policy terms. Review your policy to see if the denial is justified.
If you disagree with the adjuster's damage estimate, you can obtain a second estimate from another repair shop and submit it to your insurer. If the estimates differ significantly, your insurance company may send a different adjuster to re-evaluate or may agree to split the difference.
If you cannot reach an agreement with your insurance company, you can file a complaint with your state's insurance commissioner. This office investigates complaints and can pressure insurers to reconsider. You can also consult with an attorney, especially if medical bills or lost wages are involved, though most minor accident claims do not require legal representation.
Medical bills and injury claims
If you or your passengers were injured, medical bills are part of your claim. Your medical payments coverage (also called med pay) covers medical expenses regardless of who was at fault, up to the limit in your policy — typically $1,000 to $5,000. This coverage pays quickly and does not count against your deductible.
If the other driver was at fault and their insurance is responsible, their company will also cover your medical bills. Collect all medical records, bills, and receipts and submit them to the insurance company handling your claim. Do not pay medical bills out of pocket and then ask for reimbursement unless you have already exhausted your med pay coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use the insurance company's repair shop?
No. You can take your vehicle to any repair shop you choose. Your insurance company may recommend shops in their network, but you are not required to use them. If you use an out-of-network shop, get a written estimate first and submit it to your adjuster for approval before work begins.
What if the other driver does not have insurance?
If the other driver has no insurance, your uninsured motorist coverage will cover your repairs and medical bills, minus your deductible. You will need to report this to your insurance company and provide proof that the other driver was uninsured — the police report usually documents this. If you do not have uninsured motorist coverage, you may have to pursue a lawsuit against the other driver to recover costs.
Can my insurance rates go up after an accident?
Yes, if you were at fault or partially at fault, your rates may increase at your next renewal. The increase varies by insurer and state. If you were not at fault, most insurers will not raise your rates, though some may apply a small surcharge. Ask your agent about your company's specific policy.
How long do I have to file a claim?
You should report an accident to your insurance company within one to three days. Most policies require you to report promptly, and delaying can give the insurer reason to deny the claim. Check your policy for the exact deadline, as it varies by company and state.
What if I was partially at fault?
If you share fault, your insurance company will still cover your repairs under collision coverage, minus your deductible. Your rates may increase depending on your state's rules and your insurer's policy. The other driver's insurance may also pursue a partial recovery from your insurer, but this happens between the two companies, not directly with you.