Wiser Drivers Wise Up

In case of an accident, follow these tips:

Don't leave the scene. Keep calm. Do not argue, accuse anyone, or make any admission of blame for the accident. If vehicles are operable, move them to the shoulder of the road and out of the way of oncoming traffic.

Call for medical assistance. If there are any injuries, provide basic first aid, but do not move an injured person unless you possess medical or lifesaving expertise.

Call a law enforcement officer, if needed. In many areas, they must be called. Get the officer's name, badge number, police station address and phone number. Ask when the accident report will be filed and how you can get a copy.

Read Your Policy. Don't wait to find out until after an accident that your policy doesn't automatically cover costs for towing or a replacement rental car. For only $1 or $2 a month, you can add coverage for rental car reimbursement, which provides a rental car for little or no money while your car is in the repair shop after an accident or if it is stolen.

Don't accept offers to settle for payment on the spot without careful consideration. You may be held liable later for the same damages.

Turn car engine off so it does not risk sparking a fire, and turn on hazard lights or use flares and other warning signs to alert other drivers to the accident.

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Accident Checklist

Date:

Time:

Location:

Weather Conditions:

Your Car

License Plate #:

VIN:

Make/Model/Yr

Driver:

Passenger 1:

Passenger 2:

Additional Passengers:

Driver's Information

Name:

License #:

Issuing State:

Exp Date:

Insurance Card Information

Name:

Relationship:

Company:

Policy #:

Agent:

Other Car

License Plate #:

VIN:

Make/Model/Yr

Driver:

Passenger 1:

Passenger 2:

Additional Passengers:

Driver's Information

Name:

License #:

Issuing State:

Exp Date:

Insurance Card Information

Name:

Relationship:

Company:

Policy #:

Agent:

Police Report

Responding Department:

Officer's Name:

Badge #:

Accident Description:

Witnesses:

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Emergency Numbers

Relative/Friend/Neighbor:

Relationship:

Phone Number:

Child's School/Daycare:

Phone Number: