5 Steps for Staying Safe – Social Distancing After an Auto Accident

As some states begin easing stay-at-home orders, it’s likely that auto accidents may increase, yet COVID-19 cases are rising across the United States, which may also increase the risk for drivers to contract the virus after an accident occurs. Here are some tips to help drivers maintain social distancing measures following an accident during the pandemic as they share insurance information, get a vehicle appraised and repaired.

Make Safety a Priority

• Make sure the roadway is safe before getting out of your car.
• Call 911 if anyone is hurt.
• Report the accident to the police if vehicle damage is severe or state law requires it.

Respect Personal Distance

• Maintain a social distance of six feet from other drivers, occupants, and any first responders.
• As an extra measure of precaution, consider wearing a mask when you interact with anyone at the scene of the accident.
• Ask to use your smart-phone and camera to exchange information and gather facts.

Capture Accident Facts

• Exchange information with the driver via text (name, phone, license plate numbers, as well as vehicle descriptions, including make, color, and model).
• Place insurance card and driver’s license on a flat surface and take pictures of both sides, and share with the other driver(s).
• Take photos of the damage to all vehicles involved and the accident scene.

Inquire with Insurance

When you contact your insurance carrier to inform them of the accident, ask if they have a mobile tool available to submit information digitally, should you choose to file a claim. If available, use the link provided to initiate the claims process from your smartphone.

Repair Information

If your vehicle requires, or should you choose to repair your vehicle, ask your shop if they accept digital photos of vehicle damage to generate a virtual estimate. You can also search for a collision repair shop that offers photo estimating via Carwise.com.