top of page
Writer's pictureCJ Hutsenpiller

Automobile Accident Checklist

We hope you’re never involved in a crash. If you are, you can rest easily knowing that reporting claims with Progressive is simple—and we begin working on them immediately.

We recommend printing a copy of these instructions and keeping them in your glove compartment so you’re prepared—just in case. 1️⃣ Make sure no one is seriously injured


Make sure that you, your passengers and others involved are OK. If anyone is injured, call an ambulance or get help. If no one is seriously hurt, it’s time to assess the situation.


2️⃣ Make sure you’re safe

Wherever you are, be sure other vehicles on the roadway can see you. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers on the road. If your car is drivable, move it out of the way of traffic. Then turn off your car and turn on your hazard lights. If you have safety triangles or cones, use them. Be sure you are safe.

3️⃣ Call the police

Even if no one was hurt, you should call the police if other people, cars or property are involved in the accident. An officer may not make a trip to the scene, but the police do want to know about the accident—especially if it could potentially back up traffic. Plus, reporting the accident can help protect you if there are any issues with others involved.


4️⃣ Get information from other drivers

Now, exchange information with other people involved in the accident. Be sure to write down basic contact information for everyone involved, including:

  1. Name

  2. Address

  3. Phone number

  4. License plate number

  5. Driver’s license number

  6. Insurance company and policy number

If you have a camera with you (aka your phone), take photos of the scene and the damage to the vehicles to help document the crash.


Remember that everyone is under a lot of stress after an accident, so tempers may flare. Try to stay calm and to stay out of any arguments. Venting your frustration or responding to angry comments may make you feel better now, but it will not help matters in the long run.


5️⃣ Call your insurance company


Assuming you're insured with us, call us a 615-773-2886 or online as soon as possible. Even if it wasn’t your fault, it’s important to let your insurance company know what happened and have your questions answered. Plus, your insurance company can work with other drivers’ insurance companies to help you get any necessary repairs made as quickly as possible.

If the crash happens in a place where you don’t feel secure, it’s okay to wait until you’re somewhere safe to report your claim. But, try to report the claim as soon as possible so we can start helping you as quickly as possible. Feel free to download our accident checklist below!


Comments


Commenting has been turned off.
bottom of page