The first time you file a claim, half the friction is knowing what’s next. Here’s the order — written by someone who’s done it more than you ever want to. Follow these steps and you won’t miss anything that slows your check or your repair.

Steps 1–4: At the Scene

Step 1: Make sure everyone is safe. Check for injuries before anything else. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately. Don’t move injured people unless there’s immediate danger.

Step 2: Call the police. In most states, you’re required to report accidents above a damage threshold (typically $1,000–$2,500). Even if it’s not required, a police report is useful documentation. Ask the officer for the report number before they leave. You’ll use it when filing your claim.

Step 3: Document everything at the scene. Take photos immediately — before cars are moved if possible. Photograph all four sides of both vehicles, close-ups of damage, license plates, and the overall scene. Get photos of traffic signs, skid marks, and anything that shows road conditions.

Step 4: Exchange information. Get the other driver’s name, phone number, insurance company, policy number, and license plate. Give them yours. Don’t discuss fault. Don’t apologize. Just exchange information.

Steps 5–7: At Home

Step 5: File your claim. Call your carrier’s claims line or file online. Do this the same day if possible. You’ll provide: the date, location, and description of the accident; the police report number; the other driver’s insurance information; and your contact details. You’ll receive a claim number. Write it down.

Step 6: Arrange a rental car. If your policy includes rental reimbursement, ask your adjuster to activate it. Know your daily limit — $30/day and $50/day are common caps, and they matter when the repair takes two weeks. Some carriers arrange the rental directly. Others reimburse you after the fact. Confirm which yours does.

Step 7: Gather your documentation. Pull together your insurance card, the police report (available online from your local department, usually within 3–5 days), all photos from the scene, and any witness contact information. Store these in a folder — digital is fine.

Steps 8–10: Through Repair

Step 8: Work with the adjuster. Your assigned adjuster will contact you within 1–3 business days. They’ll schedule an inspection of the vehicle, review the damage, and either approve a repair estimate or discuss a total-loss determination. You can choose your own repair shop in most states — you are not required to use the carrier’s preferred shop.

Step 9: Approve the repair. Once the adjuster and the repair shop agree on scope and cost, repairs begin. Supplement claims can happen mid-repair if additional damage is found. This is normal and handled between the shop and your carrier — you usually don’t need to intervene unless there’s a dispute.

Step 10: Pick up your car and review the work. Inspect the repairs before you drive away. If something doesn’t look right, say so before you take the car. Most shops guarantee their work, but it’s far easier to address issues on the spot than after you’ve left. Keep a copy of the final repair invoice — you’ll need it for any diminished-value claim.

A Pocket Card

Print this and keep it in your glove box:

• Call 911 if anyone is injured
• Get police report number
• Photograph everything before cars move
• Exchange insurance info — no fault discussion
• File claim same day, get claim number
• Ask about rental reimbursement limit
• Keep all documents in one folder

Next step: Check your policy today for your rental reimbursement daily limit and your deductible amount — knowing both before you need them saves real time and stress. Get a same-day quote that works for your situation →