What to Do if Your Vehicle is Involved in an Accident and You Have Insurance

Accidents happen unexpectedly, and when they do, knowing exactly what to do can make a big difference—especially if you have vehicle insurance. If you’ve ever wondered what to do if your vehicle is involved in an accident and you have insurance, this guide provides clear, step-by-step information to help you act responsibly and protect your rights.

Understanding how to handle the situation properly can not only speed up the insurance claim process but also ensure your legal and financial safety.

1. Ensure Everyone’s Safety First

The most important step after an accident is ensuring everyone’s safety.

Check for injuries to yourself and others involved.
If the accident is minor and it’s safe to do so, move the vehicles to the side of the road.
Turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers.
Call emergency services immediately if there are any injuries.

Even if the accident seems small, it’s always better to call the authorities so an official report can be filed.

2. Contact the Police

Regardless of the severity of the accident, contacting the police is recommended, and in many places, it's required by law.

Police reports serve as crucial evidence for your insurance company.
The report can help determine fault, which directly affects how your insurance claim is handled.

When officers arrive, remain calm, polite, and stick to the facts when giving your statement.

3. Document the Scene

Proper documentation plays a critical role in ensuring a smooth claims process.

Take photos or videos of:

Vehicle damage (all angles)
License plates
Street signs and traffic signals
The entire scene from different distances
Any visible injuries

Also, collect the following information:

Name, contact info, and driver's license number of the other party
Insurance details of the other driver
Contact information of any witnesses

Tip: Avoid discussing fault at the scene. Let the insurance adjusters and authorities determine liability.

4. Notify Your Insurance Company Immediately

One of the most crucial steps in knowing what to do if your vehicle is involved in an accident and you have insurance is to notify your insurer as soon as possible.

Here’s how:

Call your insurance company’s hotline or use their mobile app (if available).
Provide them with accurate details about the incident.
Share any photo or video evidence you’ve collected.
Request a copy of the police report once available.

Most insurance policies require that claims be filed within a certain time frame, so don’t delay.

5. Understand What Your Insurance Covers

Every car insurance policy is different. Depending on your coverage, your policy may cover:

Collision damage: Repairs to your own vehicle.
Liability coverage: Damage to other vehicles or property and injuries to other people.
Medical payments: Hospital bills for you and passengers.
Uninsured motorist coverage: Protection if the other driver is not insured.

It’s essential to know your deductible—the amount you’re responsible for before your insurance kicks in.

6. Work with the Insurance Adjuster

After your claim is initiated, your insurance company will assign an adjuster to assess the damage and determine the payout.

Here's what to expect:

The adjuster may inspect your vehicle in person or request detailed images.
They will assess the repair costs and compare them with your policy coverage.
You may be asked to take your car to an approved repair shop for an estimate.

Stay in regular communication with the adjuster and respond promptly to any requests for additional information.

7. Know Your Repair Rights

As a policyholder, you typically have the right to choose the repair shop. However:

Some insurers may recommend preferred repair shops that offer warranties on repairs.
You’re not obligated to use these shops unless it’s a requirement in your policy.

Make sure to ask for a written estimate before any work begins, and keep all receipts for reimbursement.

8. File a Police Report (If Not Done at the Scene)

If you didn’t contact the police at the time of the accident (perhaps due to a minor incident), you might still need to file a report within a certain period, depending on your state or country’s laws.

This is particularly important if:

There was property damage.
The other driver fled the scene.
You discover injuries later.

Check your local DMV or police department website for the correct procedure.

9. Be Honest Throughout the Claims Process

Providing accurate and honest information is key to getting your claim approved.

Do not exaggerate damages or injuries.
Avoid making assumptions—stick to what you know.
If you’re unsure about a detail, inform your adjuster rather than guessing.

Providing false information could lead to claim denial or even insurance fraud charges.

10. Follow Up and Track Your Claim

Once the claim process starts:

Get a claim number and use it for all future communications.
Ask for an estimated timeline for the settlement.
Keep all documentation organized (emails, receipts, police reports, etc.).

If your vehicle is declared a total loss, your insurer will calculate the actual cash value (ACV) and provide a payout offer based on the market value.

11. What If the Other Driver Is At Fault?

If the other driver is clearly at fault and has valid insurance:

Their insurance should cover your damages and medical costs.
You can file a third-party claim with their insurer directly.

However, if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, you’ll need to rely on your own uninsured motorist coverage if you have it.

12. Protect Yourself from Future Incidents

After experiencing an accident, it’s natural to feel shaken. Take the opportunity to strengthen your protection:

Review your current coverage—do you have enough liability, collision, or comprehensive coverage?
Consider adding roadside assistance, rental reimbursement, or gap insurance.
Keep an emergency kit in your car, including a phone charger, flashlight, first aid kit, and insurance documents.

Final Thoughts

Knowing what to do if your vehicle is involved in an accident and you have insurance is essential for protecting yourself legally, financially, and emotionally. The steps you take in the moments after an accident can influence your insurance outcome, your repair timeline, and even your recovery process.

By staying calm, documenting everything, notifying your insurer promptly, and being honest throughout the process, you’ll put yourself in the best position for a smooth and fair resolution.