Insurance steps after an accident
What to do, what to collect, and how to keep your claim organized. For state-specific notes, open your city's guide below.
Notify your insurer promptly
Report the crash as soon as reasonably possible — most policies expect notice within days. You can usually file a first notice of loss by phone, app, or online.
Collect the core information
Other driver's name, insurance carrier and policy number, license plates, crash date/time/location, the police report number, and the investigating agency.
Stick to facts at the scene and afterward
Describe what happened factually. Don't speculate about fault, injuries, or speed — investigations and adjusters work from evidence, and guesses can create confusion later.
Document injuries and vehicle damage
Photograph visible injuries and all vehicle damage before repairs. Keep every medical record, discharge summary, and receipt related to the crash.
Organize receipts and estimates
Keep repair estimates, towing and storage invoices, rental car receipts, and out-of-pocket costs in one folder with dates noted.
Follow the claim and keep notes
Log every call with your insurer — date, person, and what was said. Ask for decisions in writing. If you disagree with a decision, your state insurance department has consumer resources.