Driving Safety FAQs

While the rest of our driver safety section focuses on defensive driving strategies and preventive measures, this FAQ section contains some great information on what to do after an accident happens…

If I’m involved in an accident, how should I proceed?

What to do in a car accident: Your first concern should be the safety and medical condition of everyone involved in the accident.  Immediately phone for medical help if anyone at the scene is injured.  Also notify the police as soon as possible.  Obtain the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of all parties involved in the accident, including witnesses and passengers, and the license plate numbers of all other cars involved.

If possible, it’s wise not to admit an accident was your fault, even if you think it was.  Often, a simple apology can be construed as an admission of fault.  Be sure to let the authorities determine who was responsible.  Auto accidents can be incredibly disorienting even if you aren’t physically injured.  It’s entirely possible that you may not be aware of all factors leading up to the crash, so speak only to what you know about what happened.  Finally, you’ll want to contact your insurance company as soon as possible, even if damages were minor.

What must I do if another driver hits my vehicle?

What to do in a minor car accident: Provided you weren’t found at fault in the accident, you will be making a third-party claim to the at-fault driver’s insurer.  The at-fault driver’s insurance company typically will issue the check directly to you, the claimant.  It’s your responsibility to pay the repair shop and also to repay the bank or credit union if a car loan’s involved.  Should the other driver wind up being uninsured, your uninsured motorist coverage will then take effect.

If I’m the cause of an auto accident, how do I handle it?

What to do in a car crash: If you carry collision insurance and own your vehicle, you’ll be filing a first-party claim with your insurance company.  Depending on the outcome of the claim, the insurer may then issue a check either to you, the shop that repairs your vehicle, or a combination of both.  If you have a lease or a loan, the lending institution may be named on the check. Don’t forget you’ll also have to pay your deductible.  If other vehicles were involved, your insurance will most likely settle with the other drivers separately and you’ll have minimum involvement in the process.

Does my towing and labor coverage from my policy only come into effect after an accident?

This coverage pays for emergency road services as well as towing charges and is not limited just to accidents; it can be used any time your vehicle fails due to mechanical trouble.  Labor like a battery jump-start or tire change performed at the site of a disabled vehicle will be covered, but not the subsequent repair work performed later at a body shop or mechanic.

When a car is “totaled,” what exactly does that mean?

Should your insurer declare your car “totaled” following an accident or theft recovery, it will mean the car’s repair estimate exceeds its market value.  Following the “totaled” declaration, your insurer will most likely send you a check for the car’s value and then keep the car unless you make specific arrangements to buy back the car “as is.”