The first hour after a collision is chaotic, but a few decisions made in that hour affect how much the accident ends up costing you. Here's how to handle the scene, the tow, and the insurance claim.
At the Scene
- Check for injuries and call 911 if anyone is hurt or the vehicles are blocking traffic
- If the cars can be driven and nobody is hurt, move them out of traffic lanes
- Turn on your hazard lights and stay away from moving traffic
- Exchange names, driver's license numbers, insurance details, and vehicle information with the other driver
- Photograph both vehicles, the license plates, the scene, and any injuries
- Get names and phone numbers of witnesses
Reporting the Accident
If police respond, ask for the report number. Separately, California requires drivers to report a crash to the DMV within 10 days on form SR-1 if anyone was injured or killed, or if property damage was more than $1,000. Your insurance company doesn't file this for you.
Choosing Where Your Car Gets Towed
If your car can't be driven, you can usually choose the tow company and where the car goes, as long as it isn't blocking traffic and police don't need to clear it right away. When police do order a tow, they call a company from their rotation list. Either way, ask where the car is being taken.
You have three common options:
- Your own body shop or a dealer, so repairs can start as soon as the insurer approves them
- Your home, if the car can be stored there safely while you wait on the claim
- The tow company's secure yard, which is often easiest that night but adds daily storage fees
Watch the Storage Clock
Storage fees are charged for every day the car sits at a tow yard, and they keep adding up while you wait for an adjuster. To keep costs down, call your insurance company the same day, tell them where the car is, and ask them to inspect it or move it to a shop quickly. If the car is likely a total loss, the insurer will usually arrange to move it to a salvage auction yard.
Take Your Belongings Out
Before the car leaves the scene, or as soon as you can get to the yard, take out your personal items: registration and insurance papers, garage remotes, toll transponders, child seats, and anything valuable. Totaled cars often go to auction quickly.
Call Your Insurance Company
Start the claim as soon as you can. Have your policy number, the police report number, the other driver's information, and your photos ready. Ask whether your policy covers towing, storage, and a rental car.
Need an accident tow in Orange County, Long Beach, or Los Angeles? KO Towing & Recovery is available 24/7 at (714) 766-1669.