A car accident is alarming for anyone involved, but finding out your child has been in an auto collision can be particularly overwhelming. That’s why it’s important for all parents of teen drivers to know how to respond to these situations. From making sure your child stays safe to filing auto insurance claims properly, here are five important steps that can guide you through the process.

5 Steps to Take When Your Child Has a Car Accident

1. Check on Their Condition

If your teen calls you from an accident, the most important thing to know is if they were injured in any way. If there are serious injuries or safety risks, call 911 to the scene.  When injuries aren’t present, remain calm and don’t assign blame. Instead, let your child know that you’re there for them and remind them of what they should do in the situation—such as not admitting fault, reporting the accident to the police, taking photos of the scene on their phone, and collecting auto insurance information from other involved parties.

2. Go to the Scene

Meet your child at the accident site if possible. With a reassuring attitude, double-check to make sure the details of the accident are recorded and the right contact information has been exchanged by all involved parties. If your teen’s car isn’t drivable, arrange to have it towed.

3. File the Claim Together

While it’s okay to take the lead, make sure your child is also on the call with your insurance company. By participating, your teen will get more familiar with the claims process. They may also be able to provide details, as requested, to ensure the claim is filed properly.

4. Help Them Return to the Road

While your child will likely be nervous about driving again, you should encourage them to gradually ease back into it. Doing so will help them continue developing their driving skills. If they aren’t ready to drive alone, consider being a supportive passenger until they regain their confidence.

5. Have a Conversation About the Consequences

If they were found at fault for the accident, it’s wise to have a one-on-one discussion to remind them of how important it is to practice safe driving skills at all times. You can also illustrate how the accident impacted your auto insurance rates. To help them maintain responsibility, you might encourage them to pay the difference if your premiums increase.

If there’s a new driver in your family, turn to Southern Insurance AL for coverage you can count on. These agents will develop an auto insurance policy that adequately covers their risks while keeping your premiums as affordable as possible. They’ll also help your teen explore solutions to keep rates low—such as good driver and good student discounts. To learn more about their services, visit this Baldwin County, AL, insurance company online. For a free quote, call (251) 943-3340.