What Should You Do Right After a Car Accident (Before Calling the Insurance Company)?

Getting into an accident is stressful — even a minor fender-bender can leave you rattled. In those first few minutes, you’re not just dealing with shock, you’re also making decisions that can affect your safety, your insurance claim, and the quality of your vehicle repair.

At The Auto Body Experience in Chatsworth, we’ve seen it all, and we know how much smoother things go when drivers know what to do right after a crash. Here’s a quick, practical guide to help you handle the situation calmly and confidently — before you even call your insurance company.

1. Make Sure Everyone Is Safe

First things first: safety always comes before paperwork. Move your vehicle out of traffic if possible and check for injuries. If anyone’s hurt, call 911 immediately. Even if the accident seems minor, it’s smart to request a police officer at the scene — they’ll document what happened, which helps protect everyone involved.

2. Document the Scene Thoroughly

Once it’s safe, grab your phone and take photos — lots of them. Capture wide shots of all vehicles, close-ups of damage, license plates, and any skid marks or street signs. Also, jot down the time, date, weather conditions, and what happened in your own words. These details fade quickly, and accurate notes can make a huge difference later when filing your claim.

3. Exchange Information

Swap contact and insurance details with the other driver(s). That includes full name, phone number, driver’s license, insurance company, and policy number. If there are witnesses, politely ask for their contact info too.

4. Get a Police Report

Even for minor accidents, getting an official police report is a smart move. It provides an unbiased account of what happened and helps avoid future disputes. Most insurance companies will ask for it anyway.

5. Call Your Insurance — But Know Your Rights

After the scene is documented and everyone’s safe, contact your insurance company to start the claim. However, here’s something many drivers don’t realize: you have the legal right to choose your own repair shop.

Your insurer may recommend a “preferred” shop, but you’re under no obligation to use it. At The Auto Body Experience, we work with all major insurance companies and help customers navigate the claim process with transparency and ease.

6. Choose a Certified, Trusted Auto Body Shop

When your car needs repairs, choose a shop that’s certified, experienced, and committed to restoring your vehicle the right way — not just quickly. Look for certifications such as I-CAR or OEM approvals that ensure technicians follow manufacturer standards.

At The Auto Body Experience, our team specializes in precision repairs, color-matched refinishing, and high-quality restoration. We handle every step — from estimate to final polish — with clear communication throughout.

7. Save the Info Before You Need It

Here’s a simple tip: save your preferred body shop’s number in your phone before an accident happens. That way, if you ever need help, you know exactly who to call.

The Auto Body Experience
9811 Deering Ave, Suite K
Chatsworth, CA 91311
(818) 341-0333