Fender Benders: What to Do?

Even the smallest crashes can be nerve-wracking events that ruin our spirits and our pocketbooks. To limit the consequences and smoothly get on with our lives, it's important to avoid panicking and follow these steps after a fender bender:

1. Are you OK? Make sure that you remain calm and assess your own physical condition and the condition of the others involved in the crash. Move your vehicle - if possible - off the road to a safe spot.
2. Even if it is just a fender bender, all crashes that involve property damage should be reported to the police. Don't leave the scene of the accident until the police are done filing the report.
3. Minimize discussion about the crash with the other participants. It's not important to discuss who was at fault. Your report to the police and the insurance companies will take care of that!
4. Obtain the following information from all parties involved:
   • Name
   • Address
   • Phone number
   • Vehicle type and description
   • License plate number
   • Insurance provider
   • Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
5. Call your insurance company as soon as possible. The sooner you file your claim, the sooner your claim will be processed.

Don't worry! Fender benders can be a pain, but when dealt with the right way, you can get past them. Remember, even the best drivers can stay out of every minor accident. Learn from what you've been through and move on down the road.