Auto Insurance Accident Checklist
We hope you're never involved in a crash. If you are, you can rest easily knowing that reporting claims with Progressive is simple — and we begin working on them immediately.
We recommend printing a copy of these instructions and keeping them in your glove compartment so you're prepared — just in case.
- Make Sure No One Is Seriously Injured
Make sure that you, your passengers and others involved are OK. If anyone is injured, call an ambulance or get help. If no one is seriously hurt, it's time to assess the situation.
- Make Sure You're Safe
Wherever you are, be sure other vehicles on the roadway can see you. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers on the road. If your car is drivable, move it out of the way of traffic. Then turn off your car and turn on your hazard lights.
If you have safety triangles or cones, use them. Be sure you are safe.
- Call the Police
Even if no one was hurt, you should call the police if other people, cars or property are involved in the accident.
An officer may not make a trip to the scene, but the police do want to know about the accident — especially if it could potentially back up traffic.
Plus, reporting the accident can help protect you if there are any issues with others involved.
- Get Information from Other Drivers
Now, exchange information with other people involved in the accident. Be sure to write down basic contact information for everyone involved, including:
- Name
- Address
- Phone number
- License plate number
- Driver's license number
- Insurance company and policy number
If you have a camera with you, take photos of the scene and the damage to the vehicles to help document the crash.
Remember that everyone is under a lot of stress after an accident, so tempers may flare. Try to stay calm and to stay out of any arguments. Venting your frustration or responding to angry comments may make you feel better now, but it will not help matters in the long run.
