What to Do If You Are in an Auto Accident
Claims
Follow these steps when documenting an accident:
- STAY CALM
- Check for injuries.
- Stay at the scene.
- ALWAYS call the police. If police are not dispatched, be sure to file an incident report. Ask for a copy of the police report from the officer.
- STAY SMART. Be courteous, but do not admit fault. Do not admit or discuss liability with anyone other than staff at our office or your insurance company.
- ​Obtain information about other people involved in the accident or anyone who may have witnessed the accident including:
- Name
- Address
- Phone number
- Insurance information
- Insurance carrier
- Insurance agent
- Policy number
- Policy Exp. date
- Vehicle make and model
- REMEMBER: Vehicles may be borrowed, rented, etc. Be sure that the insurance information (VIN, make, model, etc.) presented to you matches each vehicle in question.
- Take photos, if possible.
- STAY SAFE. DO NOT take photos at the scene if doing so will put you or others at risk of injury or further damage!
- License plate(s) of vehicles involved
- Damage to other vehicles involved
- Damage to your vehicle
- Landmarks, street signs or address markers to identify the location
- Damage to any property or objects at the scene (debris, skids, fallen trees, etc.)
- Protect Your ID DO NOT allow your driver’s license to be photographed. Provide your name and correct VEHICLE INSURANCE INFORMATION to others involved in an accident. Obtain contact and driver’s license information if ownership/ insurance documentation is not provided.
- Have the vehicle towed to a repair facility if it cannot be driven.
- If the vehicle is drivable:
- Obtain an estimate for repair.
- The claim adjuster will review the estimate and may send an appraiser to see the vehicle.
- Do not deal with the claimant yourself. The claims adjuster will deal directly with the claimant or his/her attorney. Please refer all inquiries to Towne Insurance or the insurance company.
- While the details are still fresh in your mind, write your own account of the accident. Be sure to make note of anything the other involved parties said about their injuries or as to how they may have contributed to or avoided the accident.
- Expect to be contacted by the claims adjuster within two working days. Please call Towne Insurance if you have not been contacted within that time frame.
- Please let us know immediately if your circumstances changes.