After an accident, figuring out what to do with your car can feel overwhelming. Your immediate priorities are safety, documentation, and understanding your insurance policy’s next steps, but knowing the specific actions for your vehicle is crucial.
This guide will walk you through every step, from the moment the impact happens to the final resolution with your insurance company and repair shop. We’ll cover how to assess damage, work with adjusters, understand your coverage, and make informed decisions about repairs or declaring a total loss.
What To Do With Car After Accident
The steps you take immediately after a collision directly impact your safety, your insurance claim, and the future of your car. Follow this structured approach to protect yourself and your property.
Ensure Safety And Secure The Scene
Your first concern is always the well-being of everyone involved. Do not panic. Take a deep breath and follow these steps.
- Check for injuries. Look at yourself and your passengers first. Then, if it is safe to do so, check on the occupants of the other vehicle. Call 911 immediately if anyone is hurt.
- Move vehicles if possible. If the accident is minor and the cars are drivable, move them to the shoulder or a nearby parking lot to avoid blocking traffic and prevent further collisions. Turn on your hazard lights.
- If the car is not drivable, stay inside. If the damage is severe, stay in your vehicle with your seatbelt fastened until help arrives, especially on a busy road.
- Use road flares or triangles. If you have them and it is safe, set up warning devices to alert other drivers.
Contact Law Enforcement And Document Everything
Even for a minor fender-bender, having an official record is vital. Do not skip documentation.
- Call the police. In many states, it’s legally required to report an accident. A police report provides an unbiased account of the event, which is invaluable for your insurance claim.
- Gather information from the other driver. Get their full name, contact info, driver’s license number, insurance company, and policy number. Also note the make, model, color, and license plate of their vehicle.
- Talk to witnesses. If anyone saw the accident, get their names and contact information. Their statements can help clarify fault.
- Take extensive photos and video. Document the entire scene from multiple angles. Capture:
- Damage to all vehicles involved.
- License plates.
- The overall scene (street signs, traffic lights, skid marks).
- Any visible injuries.
- Write down your own account. As soon as you can, jot down everything you remember: time, location, weather, road conditions, and how the accident happened. Memories fade quickly.
Notify Your Insurance Company Promptly
You should contact your insurance provider as soon as you are safely able, even at the scene. Most policies require prompt reporting.
When you call, have all your gathered information ready. Be factual and stick to the details you documented. The agent will open a claim and assign you a claim number. They will explain your coverage and the next steps, which usually involves an inspection by a claims adjuster.
Arrange For Vehicle Towing And Storage
If your car is not driveable, you will need to have it moved. The police officer on scene will typically call a tow truck. You have the right to choose the towing company, but if the police call one, you must use it.
Important: Ask where the car is being towed. Get the name, address, and phone number of the tow yard. Understand the daily storage fees, as these can add up quickly and may not be fully covered by insurance. Your insurer may have a preferred network of repair shops with free towing and storage—always ask.
Understand The Insurance Claims Process
This is the core of deciding what to do with your car after an accident. The process involves assessment, estimation, and a decision on repair versus replacement.
The Role Of The Insurance Adjuster
An insurance adjuster will inspect the damage to determine the cost of repairs and the car’s actual cash value (ACV). They will decide if the car is a total loss. This typically happens if the repair costs exceed a certain percentage of the car’s ACV (often between 70% and 80%, depending on state law and your policy).
Getting Repair Estimates
You have the right to get estimates from repair shops of your choice. Your insurer will also provide an estimate, often from their network shop. It is wise to get at least two estimates for comparison. Choose a reputable, certified collision repair center.
Evaluate Your Repair Options
Once you have estimates, you face a decision. Should you repair the car, or if it’s totaled, what are your options?
- Using the insurance-approved shop: This is often the fastest route. These shops guarantee their work for as long as you own the car, and the process is streamlined.
- Using your own chosen shop: You have the right to do this. However, if their estimate is higher than the insurer’s, you may need to pay the difference out of pocket. Ensure they provide a detailed, written estimate.
- Considering a total loss: If the adjuster declares your car a total loss, they will offer you a settlement based on the ACV of your car just before the accident, minus your deductible.
Navigating A Total Loss Settlement
If your car is totaled, you have several paths forward. Do not accept the first settlement offer without research.
- Review the valuation report. The insurer must provide this. Check that all details about your car are correct (mileage, trim level, options, pre-accident condition).
- Do your own research. Look up the value of similar cars for sale in your area using sites like Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds. This gives you evidence to negotiate if the offer is low.
- Understand your payout. The settlement is for the ACV. If you owe more on your loan or lease than the car is worth (being “upside-down”), gap insurance will cover the difference. If you don’t have gap coverage, you are responsible for the remaining balance.
- Decide on the salvage. You can take the settlement and let the insurance company keep the car (they will sell it for salvage), or you can sometimes “retain the salvage.” This means you keep the totaled car for a reduced payout and can repair it yourself or sell it for parts, but it will have a “salvage” title.
Managing Repairs And Rental Cars
If your car is being repaired, you’ll need to coordinate with the shop and manage transportation.
Working With The Repair Shop
Stay in communication with the shop manager. Ask for a timeline and get updates. Before authorizing repairs, ensure the estimate includes only Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts if that is important to you; some policies use aftermarket parts to save costs. Inspect the car thoroughly before you drive it away.
Understanding Rental Car Coverage
Check your policy for “rental reimbursement” coverage. This pays for a rental car while yours is being repaired or until you receive a total loss settlement. There are usually daily and total limits. If the accident was the other driver’s fault, their property damage liability coverage should pay for your rental.
Addressing Diminished Value
After an accident, even with perfect repairs, your car’s market value is often lower—this is called “diminished value.” You may be able to file a diminished value claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company to recover this loss. It is harder to claim from your own insurer unless you live in a state that requires it or you have specific coverage.
Final Steps And Long-Term Considerations
Once the immediate crisis is over, there are a few final things to consider for your car’s future.
- Update your vehicle title. If your car was repaired after being declared a total loss and you retained the salvage, you must get a “rebuilt” or “salvage” title from your state’s DMV before it can be driven again.
- Keep all records. File the police report, repair invoices, and all correspondence with your insurance company. This is essential if you sell the car later.
- Review your insurance policy. After an accident is a good time to reassess your coverage limits, deductibles, and whether you need add-ons like gap insurance or better rental coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Do With My Car Immediately After An Accident?
First, ensure everyone’s safety and call 911 if there are injuries. Move the car to a safe location if possible, and turn on your hazard lights. Then, document the scene thoroughly with photos and exchange information with the other driver. Contact your insurance company to start the claims process.
How Long Do I Have To Report An Accident To My Insurance?
You should report it as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours. Most policies require “prompt” or “timely” reporting. Delaying could complicate your claim or even lead to a denial, especially if the other driver reports it first and assigns fault to you.
Can I Choose My Own Repair Shop After An Accident?
Yes, you have the legal right to choose any licensed auto body shop. Your insurance company cannot force you to use their preferred network shop. However, using a network shop often streamlines the process and comes with workmanship guarantees backed by the insurer.
What Happens If My Car Is Totaled?
If the cost to repair your car exceeds its actual cash value, it will be declared a total loss. Your insurance company will offer you a cash settlement for the car’s pre-accident value, minus your deductible. You then surrender the car to the insurer, or you can opt to keep it for a reduced payout.
Who Pays For A Rental Car After An Accident?
If you have rental reimbursement coverage on your own policy, your insurer will pay up to your policy’s limits. If the other driver was at fault, their property damage liability coverage should pay for your rental. Always confirm coverage and limits before renting a vehicle to avoid unexpected costs.