Being involved in a car accident is something no one wants to experience, but it’s important to know what steps to take if it happens. Whether it’s a minor fender bender or a more serious collision, having a clear plan in place can make a stressful situation much more manageable. As your trusted insurance agency, Stoller Insurance is here to guide you through the process, step by step.

1. Check for Injuries and Ensure Safety

The first and most important step is to make sure everyone involved is safe. Check yourself, your passengers, and others involved in the accident for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately. Even if injuries seem minor, it’s always better to be cautious.
If the vehicles are drivable and you’re able to safely move them out of the way of traffic, do so. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.

2. Call the Police

Even for minor accidents, it’s a good idea to call the police to file an official report. Having a police report on hand can be crucial when dealing with your insurance claim. Plus, it helps to have a neutral party document the situation.
The police can also help mediate in case of disagreements between drivers and ensure that all relevant details are recorded accurately.

3. Document the Scene

After ensuring everyone’s safety and contacting the authorities, it’s time to gather information. This will be invaluable when filing your insurance claim. Here’s what to document:

Take photos: Capture pictures of all vehicles involved, the surrounding area, and any damage. Make sure to take pictures from multiple angles.      

Exchange information: Share contact and insurance information with the other driver. Be sure to get their name, phone number, license plate number, and insurance policy details.      

Collect witness statements: If there are any witnesses, politely ask for their contact information and a brief statement about what they saw.

4. Don’t Admit Fault

In the heat of the moment, emotions can run high. But it’s important not to admit fault or apologize. Even if you feel you were partially responsible, determining fault should be left to the authorities and your insurance company.

5. Contact Your Insurance Company

Once you’ve ensured everyone’s safety and gathered all the necessary information, the next step is to notify Stoller Insurance Agency or your insurance provider. You’ll want to do this as soon as possible to start the claims process. When you call us, we’ll guide you through what’s needed, including documentation, estimates, and next steps.
We understand how overwhelming this can be, but we’re here to help simplify things. Our team will advocate on your behalf and make sure your claim is handled efficiently.

6. Get Your Vehicle Inspected

Depending on the damage, your insurance company may require an inspection of your vehicle. At Stoller Insurance, we work with a network of trusted auto repair shops that will assess the damage and provide repair estimates. If your vehicle isn’t drivable, we can help arrange towing and rental car coverage if your policy includes it.

7. Keep a Record of Everything

Keep a folder or digital file with all the relevant documents—police reports, medical bills, repair estimates, and any other paperwork related to the accident. This will help keep everything organized and make the claims process go more smoothly.

8. Focus on Recovery

Beyond the logistics, remember that being involved in an accident can be emotionally taxing. Give yourself time to recover and process the experience. If you have any questions or concerns during the claims process, we’re just a phone call away.

At Stoller Insurance Agency, we’re not just here to handle paperwork—we’re here to support you through challenging times. Knowing what steps to take can help you feel more in control, and our team is always ready to assist. We’ll ensure your claim is handled with care and efficiency, so you can focus on getting back on the road with confidence.

Feel free to reach out to us anytime with questions, and remember: we’ve got your back, no matter what the road throws your way. Safe driving, Arizona!