7 Essential Steps to Take After a Car Accident for Better Insurance Results

The average car insurance premium expense increases up to $872 per year following an “at-fault” accident. That’s a lot of money that could be used for a mortgage, staycation, or sports equipment for your kid’s upcoming season. The cost of auto insurance is already a stressor for some families, so what do you do when an accident outside of your control impacts the final monthly premium?

The moments after a crash can feel overwhelming. You are disoriented and immediately in emergency mode to ensure everyone in all the cars involved is safe from harm. Taking a breath and knowing what to do is necessary to prevent future financial obligations. Having a handle on everything from documenting the crash to professional car shipping of your vehicle keeps you and your wallet safe.

Key Actions to Take Immediately After a Car Accident

Once the dust has settled from a head-on collision and you’ve finally pushed the airbag away enough to look around you, the priority is your safety. You need to slowly check that you don’t have anything bleeding and that all your passengers are safe. A visit to the hospital is still necessary to ensure you don’t have any hidden damage, but for now, you want to be able to safely move around and exit the vehicle.

Next, you need to get to safety. That means getting off the road and away from any other traffic. If your vehicle is still operable and you’re in a high-traffic area, pull it slowly to the side. Otherwise, leave it where it is and get you and your family away. Once you have clearance, call 911 for emergency services. You want police and, hopefully, EMT. Even something as minor as a fender bender needs a police report for your insurance provider.

If your vehicle is safe, you can turn it off and remove the keys. Calmly address any other drivers and exchange information. That should include full names, contact details, insurance company and policies, driver’s license, and car license plate number. Be sure to jot down the type, color, and model of all vehicles involved, as well as who was driving. Mark the location of the accident on your notes or using your smartphone’s map features. Do not get into a discussion of fault. Leave that for the insurance companies.

While you’re waiting for the police, take photos and videos of everything from license plates to street signs, weather conditions, lighting, vehicle positions, and close-ups of damage. If there are any witnesses present, politely ask for their info and statements.

You can then use your insurance provider’s app or website to start a claim. That way, you can upload all the info you’ve collected, including a police report number and the name/badge number of the officer in charge. The more information you can provide, the easier it becomes to secure coverage for damage, repairs, and medical expenses.

Understanding Your Insurance Obligations After an Accident

The logistics of a car accident vary by state. Some locations require you to report the incident to the DMV. Others give a timeframe of 24-48 hours to report to insurance providers. A basic rule of thumb is the sooner you report, the better.

It also helps to understand at-fault vs no-fault states. An at-fault state means the driver who caused the accident must compensate any other parties. A no-fault state means each driver’s insurance covers that driver’s medical or repair costs, regardless of who caused the crash. That is why many no-fault insurance plans have a Personal Injury Protection (PIP) limit.

There are 12 no-fault insurance states, including Florida, Kentucky, Minnesota, North Dakota, Hawaii, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Kansas, Michigan, New York, and Utah. All of which require insurance agencies to collect every minute piece of info from towing or transport carriers moving your damaged vehicle, to what time of day and if it was raining during the accident. In most cases, you’ll want professional car shipping via a trusted provider to move your car after the accident to a nearby auto repair shop or further destination.

Collecting and Documenting Evidence for Stronger Claims

The amount you receive from your insurance provider after a car accident depends on the quality of the documentation provided. With the correct info, you can get a full payout. Without it, you could face a lengthy and annoying dispute.

In addition to the previously mentioned items to collect, try to record a full video of the scene. Get license plates, visible injuries, tire marks, traffic signs, debris, and try to include your smartphone’s timestamp on the images. Walk around and narrate (in a quiet, calm voice) about what happened so you remember all the details while they are fresh.

One other aspect you may want to consider is nearby surveillance footage. From 2015 to 2018, the number of surveillance cameras facing the public grew from 47 million to 70 million. That number has only increased with the addition of doorbell cameras, backyard cameras, and street safety cameras run by the DOT. Make a note of these cameras so you can reach out to their owners at a later time. You never know when a gas station camera could prove your innocence in the situation.

How Car Shipping Services Can Help Following a Vehicle Collision

After a car accident, your vehicle may not be safe or legal to operate on its own. In such cases, professional auto transport can make the recovery process easier. Arranging pickup and delivery from an experienced provider, rather than a random towing company, ensures the vehicle reaches a storage facility, home, or repair shop more quickly and safely.

Call first to get a quote or estimate from an auto transport specialist using flatbeds or enclosed carriers. That will reduce further stress if you have a luxury model or custom frame, tires, or undercarriage. You also want someone familiar with interstate transport laws concerning damaged vehicles, so you don’t run into any fines or regulations.

Ensure the domestic transport provider you choose offers a flexible delivery timeframe to your specific location and carries shipping insurance. That way, your car’s current condition doesn’t get any worse, or is covered if road debris during shipping causes more issues. Most importantly, reliable car transport gives you peace of mind as you try to recover from the crash. It allows you to focus on other issues as your vehicle safely and efficiently makes its way to the body shop of your choice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Handling Post-Accident Procedures

Even drivers who have been in multiple car crashes can make mistakes after a severe collision. While you’re doing your best to document everything and ensure your family’s safety, there are some “no-nos” post-accident you should avoid, like:

• Leaving the Scene: Some states have laws for those leaving the scene of an accident. Never drive away until you’ve been cleared to do so, and always obtain an official accident report number to avoid penalties or denied claims.
• Admitting Fault: If you happen to say, “I’m sorry,” you could be admitting guilt. Stick to factual information and let insurers, lawyers, and police work out the details based on the documentation.
• Forgetting to Document: You need to get photos, videos, copies of files, and witness statements. Skipping the info makes the insurance claim so much harder to verify and pay out. That can lead to expensive, out-of-pocket repairs for you.
• Delaying Notification: Get a hold of your car insurance provider as soon as you can. Waiting too long can delay payments, cancel coverage, and be illegal in some states.
• Forgetting Local Laws: Your state will have no-fault and at-fault differences. These can determine what medical bills or collision repairs are covered. That is why you document everything. It safeguards you from any new rules you might not know yet.

The final “no-no” is to drive your damaged car. If a police officer sees you driving a vehicle that is obviously not safe, they will pull you over. Your best option is to secure vehicle shipping from a trusted provider to avoid additional fines or penalties.

Keep Your Premiums Low After a Car Accident

A car accident is a headache no one wants to deal with. It throws a wrench in your day and can quickly become confusing, causing more damage to yourself, your passengers, or your car. Do your best to stay calm and stick to facts as you document, contact the police, and speak with your insurance provider.

Once everything is over, secure professional enclosed auto transport. That will remove your car from the situation, allowing you to work with your insurance to get repairs as needed sooner rather than waiting for an amateur towing company to release your vehicle after paying them in cash. A little preparation goes a long way to ensuring you are safe and covered after a car accident.