First Time in an Accident? Here's Exactly What to Do — Step by Step

Check for injuries — call 911 immediately if anyone is hurt

Move to safety if possible — turn on your hazard lights

Call the police — get an official accident report number (you'll need this for insurance)

Document everything — photos of all vehicles, damage, road conditions, license plates, street signs

Exchange information — names, insurance company, policy number, phone, driver's license numbers

Get witness contact info if available — neutral witnesses protect you

Do NOT admit fault — even if you think you caused it. Let the insurance companies determine liability.

Call your insurance company from the scene while details are fresh

Report the accident to your insurance within 24–48 hours — don't delay

Get a claim number from your insurance — write it down, screenshot it

Write down everything you remember while it's still fresh — time, location, sequence of events

Keep all receipts for any expenses — rental car, medical, meals if hospitalized

Do NOT accept the first settlement offer without careful review — initial offers are often low

You have the RIGHT to choose your own body shop — your insurance cannot legally force you to use their preferred shop

Ask: Do they have OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts?

Ask: Do they handle the insurance paperwork directly?

Ask: How long will the repair take? Will they provide daily updates?

Use of OEM or manufacturer-approved parts — no cheapened substitutes

Certified technicians — ASE or manufacturer certified

Regular communication throughout the repair process

Insurance claim assistance — they call the adjuster directly for you

Computerized color matching for perfect paint blending

Structural frame straightening if needed (ask if they have frame-measuring equipment)

Minimum 1-year warranty on body work at quality shops

Post-repair wash and detail before delivery — your car should look new when you pick it up

No-surprises billing — only the approved amount, no hidden charges

Surface preparation — sanding, priming, degreasing before any paint is applied

Computerized color matching system — not by eye or guesswork

Multi-coat process: primer, base coat, clear coat applied in sequence

Proper curing time — quality paint is never rushed

Final inspection in both artificial and natural light to catch any imperfections

Clear coat protects the color — it should never peel or bubble with quality work

ASE-certified technicians — ask to see their certifications

Diagnostic scan before any repairs begin

Use of quality OEM or equivalent parts — never cheap unknowns

Clear explanation in plain language — no confusing jargon or pressure tactics

No pressure upselling — only recommend what's actually needed

Warranty on parts and labor — any quality shop backs their mechanical work