3 minute readAuto
Make sure everyone is safe, call police if there are injuries or meaningful damage, exchange information, photograph everything, and report the claim to your carrier the same day. Avoid discussing fault at the scene — describe facts and let the adjusters sort out liability.
What you need to know
What to capture at the scene
Both vehicles from several angles, plate numbers, insurance cards, driver licenses, road conditions, and any witness contact.
Medical care matters, quickly
Injuries that surface days later are harder to document. Get evaluated even if you feel fine.
The claim path
Report, assignment, inspection or photo estimate, repair authorization, then supplements if the shop finds hidden damage.
Common mistakes
- Carrying California's minimum limits, which a single injury accident can exhaust.
- Declining or under-buying uninsured motorist coverage.
- Leaving a household driver off the policy.
- Filing small physical-damage claims near the deductible.
- Never updating mileage, garaging address or commute after a change.
When to talk to an agent
Talk to an agent before adding a teen driver, after buying a vehicle, after an accident or ticket, or any time you are not sure whether your liability limits would survive a serious at-fault crash.
Frequently asked
This article is general information, not a policy or a promise of coverage. What your policy pays depends on its specific terms, limits and exclusions. Ask us to review your actual policy before making a decision.