What to do after a car accident
When you're sure you and others are safe, use this simple checklist to help you at the scene of the accident and when you file a claim.
1. Stay safe.
- Move your vehicle off the road if it's safe to drive.
- Call 911 immediately to report any injuries.
- Stay at the scene to exchange information.
2. Talk to the other driver.
- Get their contact information, email address and license plate.
- Write down or take a picture of their vehicle's year, make and model.
- Write down or take a picture of their insurance company and policy number.
3. Get other information.
- Get contact info from any witnesses.
- If the police file an accident report, get a copy or ask for the report number.
- Take photos of any damage and the scene of the accident.
Find out how our checklist can help.
This video can also help you at the scene of the accident and when you file your claim.
For more help, check out our other claims videos.
Video Duration: 1 minutes 7 seconds
Your first steps: Elapsed time 0 seconds [00:00]
When you're involved in an accident, it can be difficult to know what to do next. To make it easy for you, USAA has created this simple checklist.
Whether it's with another vehicle, an animal or pedestrian, the first priority is safety. Call 9-1-1 if there are and injuries. It you're able, move to safety but don't leave the scene of the accident. If safe to do so, take pictures of the accident scene and all vehicle damages.
Exchange information: Elapsed time 28 seconds [00:28]
If your accident involves another driver, you'll need to exchange the following information: name; driver's license number; insurance company and policy number; year, make, model and license plate of any vehicle involved. If anyone witnessed the accident, get their contact info, as well as a police report number if the police arrive to the scene.
Reporting your claim: Elapsed time 47 seconds [00:47]
When you report your claim through the USAA Mobile App or usaa.com, you are able to schedule an inspection, arrange your repairs and if applicable, request a rental car. Click on this page to begin your claim.
End: Elapsed time 1 minute 7 seconds [01:07]
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