If you have ever been in a car accident, you know the feeling of your heart racing and your adrenaline pumping even if you don’t have any injuries. It is difficult to think clearly about the event and the things you need to do immediately following the collision. Below is a checklist of the important items you should document to ensure that the claims process is handled as quickly and smoothly as possible. Feel free to print out this page or jot the items below and keep it in your glove compartment—we hope you will never need it.

Basic Reporting Checklist Information

Date
Time
Location
Weather conditions
Your driving speed

Other Driver’s Basic Information

*Make sure the driver is the vehicle’s registered owner.

Name
Address
Phone number
Diver’s license number
Make
Model
License Plate

Other Driver’s Insurance Information

Insurance company name
Address
Phone number
Insurance policy number

Passenger and Witness Information

Name
Address
Phone number
License Plate

Police and Emergency Personnel

Name
Badge number
Phone number (to obtain accident report)

Don’t Forget to...

Write a description of any damage to your car.
If you have a camera, take pictures of your car’s damage, any debris on the road, and the damage done to the other car.
Draw a diagram of the accident.