Your rights
The first minutes after an accident are stressful, but the actions you take in that window affect the outcome: your safety, your claim, and your repair. Work through this checklist in order. If you can, save this page to your phone so you have it when you need it.
Before you talk to any adjuster, make sure you've (1) photographed everything from multiple angles, (2) exchanged full information with the other driver(s), (3) collected the police report number, and (4) written down the names and phone numbers of any witnesses. Do this before the claim call, because once the adjuster is involved, the conversation shifts.
When you call your insurance, they'll ask where to tow your vehicle (if it's not drivable) and where to send the estimate. This is where steering happens. They'll recommend 'preferred' shops. You don't have to accept. Tell them clearly: 'Tow it to Mike's Auto Body, 535 Bay Street, Fall River, MA.' You'd be surprised how much smoother the claim goes when your chosen shop handles the adjuster from there.
Call a tow if any of these are true: the vehicle won't start, fluids are leaking, a tire is damaged or flat, airbags deployed, structural damage is visible, or you don't feel safe driving it. When in doubt, play it safe and call a tow. Our sister company All Day All Night Towing is available 24/7 and can bring your vehicle directly to us, and we can bring a rental car along.
If your vehicle isn't drivable or will be in the shop for more than a day, you'll need a rental. Most policies include rental coverage, but the daily limit varies, so check your policy. We coordinate rentals through our car rentals service, and we can arrange a flatbed delivery of the rental to wherever you are, at the same time we tow your damaged vehicle back to the shop. One trip, one interruption to your day.
Step by step
Move to a safe location if possible. Turn on hazard lights. Check yourself and passengers for injury. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately. Don't move injured people unless there's ongoing danger.
Massachusetts requires a police report for any accident with injuries, fatalities, or over $1,000 in vehicle damage. Even for minor accidents, a police report protects you later. Note the officer's name and report number.
Photograph all vehicles from multiple angles, the surrounding area, license plates, road conditions, and any visible injuries. More photos are always better than fewer. Note the time and exact location.
Get the other driver's name, address, phone, insurance company, policy number, license plate, and driver's license number. Share the same. Note the makes, models, and colors of all vehicles involved. If there are witnesses, get their names and phone numbers.
Call your insurance to start the claim. Describe the accident factually. Tell them which shop you've chosen, because you have that right. If you're not sure, bring us your claim information and we'll handle the communication with the adjuster.
You have the legal right in Massachusetts to choose any licensed auto body shop for your repair. Don't accept the 'preferred shop' pitch without thinking about it. The shop you choose affects the quality and safety of your repair for years.
Frequently asked
Yes, if the damage exceeds $1,000 (which is easy to hit on a modern car), if anyone is injured, or if there's a dispute about fault. Even for smaller incidents, a police report is good insurance, literally. Call the local police non-emergency line if no one is hurt.
If you can, call us first. We'll walk you through the claim process before you talk to the adjuster, free of charge. Claim calls go better when you know what to expect. If you've already called insurance, that's fine too; just tell the adjuster which shop you've chosen.
Massachusetts requires insurance, and uninsured motorist coverage is part of your policy. File the claim under your uninsured motorist coverage. It's what the coverage exists for. Your premium shouldn't go up for a not-at-fault claim.
If you weren't at fault, generally no. If you were at fault, rates can go up at renewal. The specifics depend on your carrier, your policy, and your accident history. A single at-fault claim on a previously-clean record usually has a modest impact. Don't skip filing a legitimate claim out of fear of rate increases; that can backfire if injuries or damages surface later.
Call a tow immediately. Don't drive a vehicle with suspected structural damage, fluid leaks, or airbag deployment. Our sister company All Day All Night Towing is 24/7 and can bring your vehicle straight to us. We can also arrange a rental car delivered on the same flatbed so you're not stranded.
Call us 24/7. We'll help you through the next step, even before you've talked to insurance.
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