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What to do after a crash

Call 911 if anyone is hurt, and move the car out of traffic only if it's safe. Call the police, especially for injuries or a hit-and-run. Get the other driver's name, address, plate, insurer and policy number (copied exactly from their card), plus witnesses and the officer's badge number and report number. Take photos. You don't need to hand over your driver's license number. File the claim the same day, keep notes of every call, and don't accept a settlement you think is unfair.

Easy10 min to read; keep the checklist in your gloveboxFreeChecked October 2, 2026

You'll need

Your proof-of-insurance card (paper or app)
Your phone, charged
A pen and paper, in case your phone is damaged

What to know

Safety first. Call 911 if anyone is hurt. If your car can be driven, move it out of traffic if you can do it safely. Source: NAIC¹
Call the police, especially if anyone is hurt or it's a hit-and-run. Source: NC Insurance Dept.²
Exchange information. Get the other driver's name, address, phone number, plate number, and insurance company and policy number. Copy the insurer and policy number exactly as printed on their proof-of-insurance card. Source: NC Insurance Dept.² Share your name, address and insurance information too. Source: NAIC¹
Keep your driver's license number to yourself. The NAIC says you don't need to share it with the other driver, because criminals can use it to confirm your identity. Source: NAIC³ If the other driver won't give you their insurance information, write down their license and plate numbers for your insurer. Source: NAIC¹
Document the scene: the other car's make, model, year and plate; witnesses' names and contact information; the officer's name, badge number, and when and where to get the accident report and its number; and the time, date, exact location, skid marks, weather and road conditions. Take photos or sketch the scene. Source: NAIC¹
File the claim as soon as you can, by calling the number on your insurance card or using your insurer's app. Source: NAIC¹ If someone else caused the damage, contact their insurer too. Source: NC Insurance Dept.²
Work with the adjuster. Your insurer assigns an adjuster to assess the damage and decide the payment. Cooperate, and write down the date and content of every conversation. Source: NAIC¹

Watch out Don't agree to "forget about it" and skip insurance. You may have hidden damage or injuries, or later find out you're being sued. Source: NC Insurance Dept.²

Glovebox checklist

Everyone okay? Call 911 if not.
Car moved out of traffic, if it's safe to move it
Police called
Other driver: name, address, phone
Other car: make, model, year, plate
Their insurer and policy number, copied exactly
Witnesses' names and phone numbers
Officer's name, badge number and report number
Time, date, exact location, weather, road conditions
Photos of both cars, the scene and the road
Claim filed with my insurer

Calling your insurer

I'd like to report a claim. I was in a crash today at [place] around [time]. Here's the other driver's insurer and policy number. The police report number is [number]. Can you tell me my claim number and who my adjuster is?

See it done

Video by AAA Nonprofit

What to Do After a Collision Video

Watch on YouTube: What to Do After a Collision Video

2012 · Checked October 3, 2026

It's from 2012, but what to do at the scene hasn't changed. Swapping information and filing the claim are in the steps.

Video won't load at school or work? No problem. Everything you need is in the steps; the video's just a bonus. Watch it on YouTube later.

If it doesn't work

Other driver won't share information? Write down their plate and license numbers and call the police. Source: NAIC¹
Disagree with the offer? Try to work it out with the insurer, possibly by having your repair shop meet with you and the adjuster. Ask for a written explanation of each decision. You don't have to accept a payment you don't think is fair. Source: NAIC¹
Still stuck? Ask your state insurance department's consumer services for help. If you disagree about the value, check your policy for an appraisal clause. Source: NAIC¹
Hit-and-run, or your car was stolen? Call the police promptly. Source: NAIC¹ Uninsured motorist coverage may help; see Auto insurance basics.

Good to know

The details, if you want them. Tap a line to open it.

Appraisal clause

Many policies let you and the insurer each hire an appraiser, who pick an umpire. A decision by any two is binding, and you split the umpire's cost. Source: NC Insurance Dept.²

Totaled cars

A totaled car is paid at its actual cash value, the local market value just before the crash. Source: NC Insurance Dept.NAIC²³ In North Carolina, a car is a total loss when repairs cost 75% or more of that value. Source: NC Insurance Dept.² Other states set their own rules.

Choosing a repair shop

In North Carolina, the insurer may recommend a shop, but you have the right to choose your own. Source: NC Insurance Dept.² Ask your state insurance department about the rules where you live.

Fault rules vary by state

North Carolina's contributory negligence law can bar you from collecting if you were even partly at fault. Source: NC Insurance Dept.² Many states use other systems, including no-fault. Source: NAIC³

Claims can affect your premium

How often you file and what kinds of claims you file can affect your premium and whether your insurer renews your policy. Source: NAIC¹

Take it with you

Printable card Download card (PDF)

Sources

National Association of Insurance Commissioners What you should know about filing an auto claim
North Carolina Department of Insurance After an accident
National Association of Insurance Commissioners Auto insurance consumer guide
National Association of Insurance Commissioners State insurance departments

Lesson H6.6 · Last checked October 2, 2026 against the sources listed.

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