Finding Insurance Carrier: Auto Accident Protocol

Being in an auto accident can be a stressful experience, and knowing what to do after one can help you protect yourself financially. One of the most important steps to take after checking for injuries is exchanging insurance information with the other driver. While this usually goes smoothly, there are situations where the other driver refuses to cooperate or flees the scene. In such cases, there are several ways to find the insurance carrier, including asking the driver directly, contacting the DMV, filing a police report, or going through your insurance company. It is also important to gather as much information as possible at the accident scene, such as the other driver's name, contact information, insurance details, vehicle information, and witness statements. Taking photographs of the accident scene and vehicle damage can also be helpful for insurance claims.

Ask the other driver for their insurance information

Asking the other driver for their insurance information is the easiest way to get it. However, emotions can run high after an accident, so it's important to remain calm and polite when approaching the other driver.

There are several pieces of information you'll want to exchange with the other driver, including names and contact information (e.g. email address and telephone numbers). You'll also want to share your driver's license, registration, and ID cards.

If the other driver refuses to give you their insurance information, try to gather as much information as you can, such as the make and model of their vehicle and their license plate number. You can use this information to search for their insurance details yourself. Alternatively, you can contact the police, and they will be able to track down the driver's insurance information for you.

If the other driver takes off, try to get their license plate number or, at the very least, the make, model, and color of their car. Then, call the police to report a hit-and-run accident. If there are witnesses, ask them to provide a description of the car, driver, and event to the police.

If the other driver doesn't have their insurance information to hand, ask for their address, phone number, and driver's license number. Give this information to your insurance company, along with the vehicle's license plate number.

File a police report

Filing a police report after a car accident is a crucial step in protecting your legal rights and supporting any future insurance claims or legal proceedings. Here is a detailed guide on how to file a police report:

When to File a Police Report

It is important to call the police immediately after a car accident, especially if there are injuries, significant property damage, or the accident is blocking traffic. In some states, there is a requirement to file a report within a certain timeframe, such as 24 hours in California. Failing to report an accident promptly may result in complications with insurance claims, suspension of your driving privileges, or even criminal consequences.

How to File a Police Report

If a police officer responds to the scene of the accident, they will gather the necessary information and create a report. Make sure to obtain the officer's name, badge number, and the police report number if available. If a police officer does not come to the scene, you can still file an accident report online or by visiting a police station. However, online reports are typically for record-keeping purposes and may not be investigated by law enforcement.

Information Included in the Police Report

A police report is a detailed document outlining the circumstances of the accident. It typically includes the following information:

• Location, date, and time of the accident
• Names, contact details, and insurance information of the parties involved
• Vehicle registration details of the cars involved
• Statements from drivers, passengers, and witnesses
• Diagram or drawing of the accident scene, including vehicle paths and collision points
• Weather, roadway, and visibility conditions
• Damage to vehicles and property
• Any injuries sustained
• Citations or violations of the law
• Officer's findings and opinions on how the accident occurred and fault determination

Benefits of Filing a Police Report

A police report provides an official, unbiased account of the accident, which is crucial for insurance claims and legal proceedings. It helps establish the details of the accident, determine fault, and support any injury claims that may arise later. Insurance companies often require a police report to process claims and make determinations about compensation.

Check with the DMV

If the at-fault driver does not provide their insurance information, your local DMV may be able to help you find it.

In California, for example, you can request the insurance information of the other driver by completing Form SR-19c. Filing this form also allows you to request a certificate that a driver is uninsured. You will then need to present either the information about the insurance on file for the driver or the certificate of no insurance to your insurance company. If the other driver is insured, your insurance company will contact the other motorist's insurance company to secure coverage for your claim.

To obtain the other driver's insurance information from the DMV, you must provide a valid reason for your request and proof of the occurrence, such as a police report. In most states, the DMV will require you to provide a valid reason (e.g., a car accident) for the request. You will also have to provide evidence to support your reason, such as a police report. The DMV can run a scan on the other driver's license plate number to provide their insurance information.

In addition to contacting the DMV, you can also try contacting the police or your insurance company for assistance in obtaining the other driver's insurance information. If you have collision coverage, you may be reimbursed for damages through your insurance company, or they can help you find the at-fault party's insurance information.

Contact your insurance company

Contacting your insurance company after a car accident is a crucial step in ensuring you receive the financial protection you need. Here are some detailed instructions on what to do when contacting your insurance company:

Notify Your Insurance Company as Soon as Possible

It is essential to notify your insurance company as soon as possible after a car accident, even if you are not at fault. Contact them immediately after ensuring everyone's safety and speaking with the local authorities. This timely notification helps connect your future claim to the accident and enables you to initiate the claims process promptly.

Gather and Provide Relevant Information

When contacting your insurance company, you will need to provide various details about the accident. This includes the year, make, model, and colour of the vehicles involved, as well as any distinguishing features. Additionally, have the names and ages of the drivers and passengers ready, along with the date, time, and location of the incident. If the police were present, provide their arrival time, names, and badge numbers. Also, don't forget to include the names and contact information of any witnesses.

Understand Your Insurance Coverage

Before speaking with your insurance company, it is beneficial to have a basic understanding of your insurance coverage. Familiarize yourself with the different types of coverage you have, such as collision insurance, comprehensive insurance, liability coverage, medical payments coverage, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This knowledge will help you effectively communicate your needs and understand the available financial protections.

Document and Record the Damage

Take photographs or videos of the accident scene, capturing vehicle damage, traffic controls, visual obstacles, and any other relevant details. These visual records can be crucial evidence when filing a claim and determining fault. Additionally, consider obtaining a police report, as it will include important information such as the date, time, weather conditions, vehicle damage, and the at-fault party.

Be Cautious When Speaking to Other Parties' Insurance Companies

While it is generally advisable to contact your own insurance company, you may find yourself needing to communicate with the other driver's insurance company. It is important to exercise caution in these situations. Their insurance company may try to use your statements against you or offer lump-sum settlements that waive your ability to file a liability claim. If possible, have your insurance agent handle these communications on your behalf.

Seek Alternative Options if Necessary

If you are unable to obtain the other driver's insurance information or they do not have insurance, your insurance company can provide assistance. They can help you navigate the process, including finding the at-fault party's insurance information or providing coverage for damages through your policy. Remember that your insurance company is there to support you during these challenging times.

Take pictures of the accident scene

Taking pictures of the accident scene is a crucial step in the aftermath of a car crash. These photographs will help you make an insurance claim or build a legal case, providing indisputable evidence of the accident. Here are some detailed instructions on how to take pictures after a car accident:

Get Permission and Stay Safe

First, ensure that it is safe to start taking pictures. Do not put yourself or others in danger. If you are injured, focus on getting the medical attention you need. If possible, get permission from the other drivers involved before taking photos of their vehicles or license plates.

Capture the Overall Scene

Try to take photos from multiple angles and distances, including close-ups, medium-range, and long-distance shots. Take pictures of the entire accident scene, capturing the position and angle of the vehicles involved, as well as their relationship to the roadway and any other relevant objects like buildings, trees, or guardrails. Include traffic signals, signs, skid marks, debris, and broken glass in your photos, as these can provide valuable context for accident reconstruction specialists.

Document Vehicle Damage

Take close-up photos of all vehicles involved, capturing external and internal damage such as dents, scratches, broken glass, and deployed airbags. If safe, also photograph the interiors. Take pictures of any vehicle parts, shattered glass, or debris on the road. If there is damage to external property, such as guardrails, street signs, or lampposts, include that in your photos as well.

Capture Environmental Conditions

Weather and lighting conditions can play a significant role in accidents, so be sure to capture them in your photos. Take pictures that show the environment, road conditions, and the weather at the time of the crash.

Photograph Injuries and Personal Property Damage

If you or your passengers have visible injuries, document them with photographs. However, do not take photos of other people's injuries without their consent. If there is damage to personal property, such as child safety seats, take pictures of that as well, as most insurers will cover the cost of replacement.

Record Important Documents

Take photos of the other drivers' licenses, registrations, and license plates. Also, capture the contact information of any witnesses to the accident.

Remember, the goal is to capture as much visual evidence as possible to support your insurance claim or legal case. Take your time, be thorough, and don't worry about capturing the "perfect" photo—just focus on documenting the scene as accurately and comprehensively as you can.

Frequently asked questions