How to File an Insurance Claim After a Car Accident in Philadelphia

Getting into a car accident is stressful. Knowing what to do next can help protect everyone involved, preserve important information, and make the insurance and repair process easier. Follow these seven steps after an accident in Philadelphia.

1. Stay Safe

Check yourself, your passengers, and the people in the other vehicle for injuries. If the vehicles can be moved safely, get them out of active traffic and turn on your hazard lights. Do not move anyone who may have a serious injury unless remaining in place creates an immediate danger.

2. Call 911 When Necessary

Call 911 if anyone is injured, the vehicles cannot be moved safely, traffic is blocked, or there appears to be significant property damage. Follow the dispatcher's instructions and wait for police or emergency responders in a safe location.

A police report can provide an official record of the collision and may be useful when you file your insurance claim.

3. Exchange Information With the Other Driver

Exchange the basic information needed for the insurance claim:

• Full name and contact information
• Insurance company and policy number
• Driver's license information
• Vehicle make, model, and license plate number

Avoid arguing about fault at the scene. Give accurate information to the responding officer and let the insurance companies review the evidence.

4. Document the Scene

Use your phone to take clear photos or video before the vehicles are moved, when it is safe to do so. Document:

• Damage to every vehicle from multiple angles
• License plates and vehicle identification numbers (VINs)
• The vehicles' positions and the surrounding roadway
• Traffic signs, signals, lane markings, skid marks, and road conditions
• Any visible injuries or damaged property

Write down the time and location of the accident and collect contact information from witnesses. The more complete your documentation is, the easier it can be to explain what happened.

5. Contact Your Insurance Company

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to start the claim. Provide the other driver's information, your photos, the police report number if available, and an accurate description of the accident.

Ask for your claim number and the adjuster's contact information. Keep notes about each conversation and save copies of emails, estimates, and other claim documents.

6. Choose a Repair Shop

Your insurance company may recommend a preferred or direct-repair-program shop, but you have the right to choose your own repair facility in Pennsylvania. You are not required to use only the shop recommended by your insurer.

Choose a shop based on its experience, reputation, communication, equipment, and ability to repair your vehicle properly. An independent shop can still work directly with your insurance company and help manage the claim.

7. Get a Free Estimate and Schedule the Repair

Bring the vehicle to your chosen body shop for a complete damage inspection and written estimate. The shop should explain the recommended repairs, identify possible structural or hidden damage, and coordinate with the insurance adjuster when necessary.

Once the estimate and insurance authorization are complete, schedule the repair and ask how the shop will keep you updated. Additional damage may be found after disassembly; when that happens, the shop can document it and submit a supplemental estimate to the insurer.

Need a free estimate after an accident? Autoshow Collision Center offers free estimates and works with all insurance companies at 932 Reed Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147. Call (215) 463-1755 to get started.