What to Do in a Fender Bender
If you've ever been in a minor car accident, you're not alone! We all know that sickening feeling of metal grinding against metal and the jolt of a fender bender.
Fender benders are all too common and can happen anywhere — from parking lots to busy highways. According to NHTSA, around 69 percent of the 5,250,837 police-reported car crashes in 2020 resulted in property damage.
Knowing what to do in the aftermath of a fender bender is crucial, whether it's a minor scrape or a severe collision. You may also want to seek Collision Repair experts to help restore your vehicle to its original state.
First, let’s address the obvious question:
What Is a Fender Bender?
A fender bender is a small-scale car accident that often happens at slow speeds and only causes minor damage to the vehicles involved. The term "fender bender" comes from the fact that car fenders are usually the parts that get dented or scratched.
These types of accidents can occur for several reasons, such as:
- A sudden stop at the intersection can cause a rear-end collision
- The driver accidentally hits a moving or parked vehicle
- The driver backs out of a tight space and hits the car behind
Does a Fender Bender Count As an Accident?
Yes, a fender bender is typically considered a non-injury vehicle accident. However, there could still be potential injuries involved.
Rear-end accidents are often referred to as “fender-benders" due to their minor property damage and lack of severity. But in 2020 alone, rear-end crashes were the most reported type of collision, with over 1.4 million cases reported in the U.S. Of these, around 417,062 resulted in injuries to drivers.
Regardless of the severity of a fender bender, taking specific steps to ensure your safety and protect yourself legally is crucial.
What to Do in a Fender Bender?
A fender bender can be a scary experience, but you must stay calm and follow these steps to handle the situation professionally:
Always Check to Make Sure Everyone Is Okay
First and foremost, you must check to ensure no one involved in the accident is hurt. If anyone is injured or there is significant damage, call 911 immediately to request medical assistance and police presence.
Once everyone is safe, consider if you need to file an insurance claim. In most cases, doing so is advisable as it helps cover the repair costs and protects you from potential legal liabilities. Regardless, it's always best to contact your insurance provider for guidance.
One common question is whether you should move your car out of the way. If there is an injury, it's best not to move your vehicle and leave everything as it is until the police or medics arrive on the scene.
What Do You Do After a Non-Injury Fender Bender?
The priority is to ensure everyone involved is okay. After that, you can assess the damage done to your vehicle.
Do You Have to Report a Fender Bender to the Police?
While it may not always be mandatory to report the incident to the police, it is highly recommended. Some states require reporting even minor accidents.
So, contact law enforcement so they can document the incident and create an official accident report. Failure to do so may result in legal consequences or difficulties with your insurance claim.
Rest assured that just because you call the police does not mean you must file an insurance claim.
Can You Move Your Vehicle to a Safer Location?
In case of a minor fender bender with no injuries, it is typically safe and legal to move your vehicle to a safer location to avoid disrupting traffic flow. This may include moving them off the main road or into a nearby parking lot.
If your vehicle isn't safe to drive or has sustained significant damage, it's best to leave it where it is until law enforcement arrives.
Exchange Information With Other Party
After a car accident, exchanging contact and insurance information with the other driver is essential. The Insurance Information Institute (III)suggests sharing some vital information:
- Name, address, and phone number
- Insurance company name and policy number
- Driver's license, license plate number, insurance ID card
- Make and model of the vehicle
- Location of the accident
- Contact information of any witness present
Avoid discussing fault when exchanging information with the other driver. Also, take photos of any damage to both cars. That way, you’ll have part of the necessary documentation for your insurance provider to investigate the accident.
Get a Copy of the Police Report
If the police were called to the scene of your accident, you can request a copy of the police report. Before the law enforcement officer(s) leave the scene, obtain their names, and ask for the incident report number if available.
Then contact your local law enforcement office that drafted the report. Using the report number provided by the responding officer, the traffic division of that agency can provide you with a copy. There is usually a small administrative fee of $15 on average.
Get an Estimate of the Work Needed
Finally, consider getting an estimate of the work needed to repair your vehicle. Caliber Collision is an excellent option for getting a professional assessment of the repair work required. As a pre-approved partner with most major insurance carriers, they'll be able to give you a correct estimate and guide you through any necessary repairs.
Call Your Insurance Provider Immediately
The Insurance Information Institute recommends calling your insurance provider as soon as possible, even if the accident was minor or not your fault.
Let your insurance provider know about the accident so they can properly handle any claims and ensure you receive your policy's coverage. Provide them with all relevant details, including information on any damage done to your car or others.
What Happens After You File a Claim on a Car Wreck?
Filing a claim after a car wreck can feel overwhelming, but your insurance company will guide you through the process. Here's what you're expected to do:
Choose a Repair Service Provider
Once you file a claim, one of the first steps will be to choose a repair company. Your insurance company may suggest some options, but ultimately it's up to you to decide.
One great option for fender repairs is Caliber. With exceptional collision, auto, and glass repair services, they're trusted by all major insurance carriers.
Whether it's a minor accident or a significant collision, Caliber has you covered. They offer free online estimates, clear communication, on-time delivery, and a written limited lifetime warranty.
Pay Your Deductible
You'll need to pay a deductible before your insurer covers the cost of repairs. Your deductible is the amount you agreed to pay out of pocket when you signed up for your insurance policy. This payment is usually made directly to the repair shop.
If the other driver was at fault, your insurance company may seek reimbursement from their insurer to cover some or all of the costs. However, state laws vary on how this works.
You should also ask whether your insurance covers a rental while your car is being repaired so you don't get stuck without transportation.
Schedule Your Repairs
After you've selected a repair company and paid your deductible, it's time to schedule your car repairs. The repair company will work with your insurance company to assess the damage and make necessary repairs promptly.