Auto Insurance: Frequently asked questions

 
What should I do if I just had an auto accident?

Assuming there are no injuries, here’s a checklist of how to proceed:

1. Call 911 to report the accident. You’ll want a copy of a police report for any future claim, especially if the accident was not your fault. If the damage is minor and the other driver wants to negotiate a settlement on the spot, be wary: You could have unseen damage.

2. Don’t bother engaging the other driver in an argument about who was at fault — the police will handle that.

3. Write down the other driver’s name and insurance information.

4. If you have a camera in your car, get some shots of the damage and general accident scene.

5. When you get home, call your insurance agent to report the accident if there will be a claim on your policy. If the other driver was at fault and you don’t live in a “no-fault” state, contact their insurance company to start the claims process.

Whether the car damage is minor or extensive, your main goal is to get enough information in order to protect your best interests later. And remember that honesty is the best policy in reporting the circumstances of the accident. For more, read Insure.com’s What to do after an auto accident.

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