A car accident is stressful—even a minor one. The helpful news is that most insurance claims don’t require heroics. They require a few clear steps , done in the right order, so the process stays clean. If you want a plain-English overview of auto coverages (liability, collision, comprehensive, and common add-ons), start here: Auto Insurance Explained (Personal) . This guide focuses on what people actually need in the moment: what to do, what to document, who to call, and what the next few weeks typically look like. What should I do immediately after a crash? Start with safety. Everything else comes second. Step 1: Make the scene safe (if you can) Check for injuries. If it’s safe, move vehicles out of traffic. Turn on hazard lights. If injuries are possible, call emergency services. Step 2: Call police when it makes sense Many accidents should involve a police report—especially if: anyone is injured there’s significant damage another driver may be impaired the other party is uncooperative (Reporting requirements vary by state, so when in doubt, getting a report is usually helpful.) Step 3: Exchange information (and keep it factual) You do not need to argue fault at the scene. Focus on exchanging: names and contact info driver’s license numbers insurance company and policy number vehicle info (make/model/VIN if available) If a conversation gets heated, step back. Calm documentation beats conflict. What information should I collect for the claim? Good documentation helps the claims team make decisions faster and reduces back-and-forth.