If you've never been in a car accident before, you may not know what to do after one. The steps you take following a collision will affect whether your auto repairs are covered by an insurance company, so stay calm and document the situation. To ensure the process goes safely and smoothly, here are some pieces of advice for handling the aftermath of a car accident. 

Car Accident FAQs

Should I stay in the vehicle?

If possible, move the vehicle to the side of the road to avoid interrupting traffic and potentially causing another accident. If you can’t move your vehicle due to extensive damage, turn on the hazard lights, exit the car, and move all passengers to the side of the road where you’ll be safe until help arrives.

What should I do immediately afterward?

After verifying that no one is injured, exchange information with every driver involved, including names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance companies, policy numbers, driver license numbers, and license plates. If the driver’s name is different than the name on the policy, determine what their relationship is and get contact information for both. This will ensure you have all the documents you need to proceed with an insurance claim.

Take photos to document the damage to all vehicles before they’re moved, which will help your claims adjuster understand the context of the accident. If there were witnesses, get their contact information as well, since they can help shed light on how the car accident happened.

How do I cover collision repair?

Contact your insurance provider the same day to submit a claim. You may be able to do this by calling, visiting their website, or through an app. Share all of the photos and information that you gathered to give them evidence of the accident. They’ll let you know if they have specific guidelines for getting repairs.

Should I get multiple repair quotes?

If your repairs will be covered by yours or someone else’s auto insurance, getting multiple quotes can give your provider a reason to reimburse you as little as possible. Instead, find an auto body shop that you trust, check that they work with your insurance, and get a single quote to expedite the process and ensure you’re getting a quality repair.

If you’ve been involved in a car accident and need auto repairs, visit Basic Auto Collision Team in Honolulu, HI. Serving drivers across the island, they have state-of-the-art digital scanners to diagnose problems with accuracy, then provide comprehensive painting, detailing, and auto body repairs to get you back on the road in no time. Learn more about their process online, or call (808) 842-3966 to schedule a quote.