Steps to Take Immediately After a Car Accident (For Insurance)

Last Updated on December 27, 2025

You’ve just been in a car accident. Once everyone is safe, the next priority is protecting yourself financially by documenting what happened and starting the insurance process the right way.

This guide walks you through exactly what to do at the scene, what information to collect, how (and when) to notify your insurer, and what mistakes can slow down—or hurt—your claim.

Key Takeaways

• After a crash, prioritize safety first: check for injuries, call 911 if needed, and move vehicles out of danger when it’s safe.
• Protect your insurance claim by avoiding fault discussions, collecting the right details (driver, insurance, vehicle, witnesses), and taking plenty of photos.
• Report the accident to your insurer as soon as practical, keep a claim folder, and save every receipt (towing, rentals, repairs, medical bills).
• Police reports and incident numbers can help prevent disputes—especially for injuries, major damage, hit-and-runs, or unclear fault.

At-The-Scene Checklist

1. Check for injuries and call 911 if anyone needs help.
2. Get to a safe location (out of traffic) if you can do so safely.
3. Call the police (or request an incident number if officers can’t respond).
4. Exchange information with the other driver(s).
5. Take photos and notes before vehicles are moved (when safe).
6. Notify your insurance company as soon as practical.

If you’re unsure how medical bills are handled after a crash, this breakdown explains how car insurance pays for medical bills after an accident.

1) Prioritize Safety and Medical Care

Even a “minor” crash can involve injuries that aren’t obvious in the moment (especially neck, back, and head injuries). If anyone has pain, dizziness, bleeding, or trouble moving, call 911. If you can safely do so, check on passengers and the other driver as well.

From an insurance perspective, getting medical care quickly also creates clear documentation linking the injuries to the accident.

2) Move to Safety Without Making Things Worse

If vehicles are drivable and it’s safe to move, pull to a shoulder, nearby parking lot, or another safe area. Turn on hazard lights. If you have cones or flares and it’s safe to use them, set them up.

If moving the vehicles could be dangerous (heavy traffic, poor visibility, suspected serious injuries), stay put and wait for police guidance.

3) Call the Police and Get an Incident Number

When in doubt, call law enforcement—especially if there are injuries, major damage, a suspected impaired driver, a hit-and-run, or an unsafe vehicle. Ask how you can obtain the report later and write down the report number (or incident number).

If you need help with the process, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to file a police report after an accident. And if you’re wondering whether a report is always required, read do you need a police report to file a claim?

4) Avoid Discussing Fault with the Other Driver

Be polite and cooperative, but keep the conversation minimal. Don’t argue about who caused the accident, don’t speculate, and don’t feel pressured to “work it out” on the roadside.

It’s fine to check on someone’s safety and exchange required information. Save the details of what happened for the police and your insurer.

5) Collect the Right Information

Stress makes people forget basics. Use this as your quick checklist of what to gather (or photograph):

• Driver info: full name, phone number, address, driver’s license number
• Insurance info: insurer name, policy number, and the effective dates shown on the insurance card
• Vehicle info: year/make/model, license plate number, VIN (if accessible)
• Scene info: exact location, time, road conditions, weather, and any traffic signals/signs nearby
• Witnesses: names + contact info (even one independent witness can help)

If the other driver only provides a plate number (or drives off), this can still be useful—especially in hit-and-run situations. Here’s what to know about a license plate number from a hit and run. If you do get the policy number, this can help too: how to identify a car insurance company by its policy number.

6) Take Photos, Video, and Notes

Photos are one of the easiest ways to prevent disputes later. If it’s safe, capture:

• Wide shots showing the position of both vehicles (and the surrounding roadway)
• Close-ups of damage on both vehicles
• Skid marks, debris, broken glass, and road signs/signals
• The other driver’s insurance card and driver’s license (if they consent)
• Any visible injuries (if appropriate and you’re comfortable)

For a full walkthrough of what evidence helps most, use this guide on how to document damage and gather evidence for a car insurance claim.

7) Notify Your Insurance Company Quickly

Once you’re safe (and not dealing with urgent medical needs), report the accident to your insurer. Many companies let you start a claim through an app, online portal, or claims phone number.

Timing matters. Policies and state rules vary, but you generally want to report a crash as soon as possible—especially if the vehicle needs towing, you need a rental, or you suspect injuries. This guide breaks down timelines: how long do you have to file an insurance claim after a car accident?

If you want an outside checklist from an insurance-regulation source, the NAIC also provides consumer guidance here: What You Should Know About Filing an Auto Claim.

8) Be Careful with Recorded Statements and Settlement Paperwork

Your insurer may ask for a statement, photos, and a basic description of what happened. That’s normal. What you should avoid is guessing or filling in blanks when you’re unsure.

Also be cautious if the other driver’s insurer calls you quickly asking for a recorded statement or offering a fast settlement. It’s okay to take their information and tell them you’ll respond after you’ve had time to review everything (especially if you might be injured).

9) Keep a Claim Folder

Create a simple claim folder (digital or paper) and keep:

• Your claim number and adjuster contact info
• Photos/videos and your written notes
• The police report number (and a copy when available)
• Repair estimates, invoices, tow bills, rental receipts, and medical bills
• A log of calls (date, who you spoke with, what was said)

Being organized is one of the easiest ways to prevent delays and reduce back-and-forth with the adjuster.

10) File Your Claim the Right Way

If you want a step-by-step walkthrough of how to structure your claim, what documents typically matter, and how to avoid common mistakes, use this guide on the proper way to file an insurance claim after an accident.

And if you’ve already filed but things are dragging, here are common reasons it’s taking so long to process your claim—plus what you can do to keep things moving.

FAQs on What to Do After a Car Accident for Insurance

Final Checklist: What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident

• Check for injuries and call 911 if needed
• Move to a safer location if possible
• Contact police and get a report/incident number
• Exchange driver + insurance information
• Photograph the scene, damage, and key details
• Notify your insurer and start the claim process
• Save receipts and keep a claim folder

Note: Insurance rules vary by state and policy. When in doubt, focus on safety first, document thoroughly, and ask your insurer what they need next.