How to Make an Auto Insurance Accident Checklist

Since unforeseen automobile accidents happen, it's best to prepare beforehand. Depending on the severity of an auto accident, you may not have the wherewithal to respond prudently. If you have prepared an auto insurance accident checklist beforehand, you are then able to gather the correct information.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Secure the scene. Immediately after an accident, turn on your hazard lights and ignite flares to alert other drivers to the accident.

2. Seek help for the injured. If anyone is hurt and requiring medical attention, call 911. Wait for a professional to assess and handle the situation.

3. Call the police. You must file a police report to submit to your insurance company.

4. Assess the damage. Get out of the car and take a look at the damage. If you have a camera or camera phone take pictures to document the auto damage. You can assess the damage while waiting for the police and medical care to arrive.

5. Leave the vehicle in the same spot where the accident occurred.

6. Get vehicle and driver information. As part of your checklist, jot down the year, make, model number and license plate information for the other vehicles involved in the accident. Additionally, obtain the driver information for all drivers involved. Driver information includes name, license number, date of birth and insurance company name and policy number.

7. Report the claim to your insurance agent. Notify your insurance company of the accident. You may not be able to provide all of the necessary information from the scene of the accident, but provide as much as you can. You can always fill in the gaps later.

Tips & Warnings

• The order in which you gather information for your checklist depends upon the accident. For instance, if the accident occurred at a very dangerous intersection where the risk of further damage may occur, the first order of priority is safety for all involved.
• Don't move any injured persons no matter what.
• Don't move the vehicles unless doing so prevents further damage. If the accident occurred in the middle of a freeway, move the cars to the shoulder.