Classic Toyota Cares: What To Do If You’re Involved in a Car Colission

Nov 10, 2021

Classic Cares about our customers, and we’re here to help! We’ve asked our body shop technicians to share some valuable advice and information on what to do if you’re involved in a collision. We hope that this will help our customers feel safer and more confident in the event of an auto accident. And remember, we’re always just a phone call away and here to help! Check out our handy tips, and feel free to print it out and keep it in with your car’s paperwork in case of emergency.

What to if you’re involved in a collision:

If you are involved in a collision, stop your car at or near the collision scene. If you can, move your car off the road so you do not block traffic. Protect yourself and others from oncoming traffic. Failure to stop at the scene of a collision in which you are involved can result in your arrest warrant. You could be convicted of hit and run.

Exchange information with other drivers involved in the accident as soon as possible. Get information: names, telephone number, drivers license and insurance information. from the other driver(s) involved in the collision.

If you hit an unattended vehicle, you must make a reasonable effort to find the owner of the vehicle or property damaged in the collision. If you cannot locate anyone, leave a note with your name and contact information that can be found easily at the scene of the collision. You must also report the collision to the police.

If you are at fault: Call your insurance company and start the claims process. They will walk you through every step. They should have a 1-800 # on the back of your insurance card or on their web site so you can start your claim no matter the time of day ( 24R) line.

If you are not at fault: You will still need to inform your insurance company that someone else hit you as a precaution. However, you will also need to call the at fault party’s insurance company and start a claim with them, and y ou will need their policy # (This is known as being the claimant.)

Note: Make sure to get a claim number and have the name of your insurance number handy!

Some insurance companies will write their own estimate, some will ask you to send photos in to them or use an app. If you are unsure how to use the app or send the proper photos in Contact the shop of your choosing and ask for help. ( I’d love to help)

From there you can then decide on a repair facility.

Note: You have the right to choose your own body shop. The insurance company probably will recommend a shop, but it is YOUR decision. It is illegal for an insurance company to force, require or pressure you into using a particular shop.