Take a breath. Here's exactly what to do — step by step. Start by uploading a photo of your damage below for a free, instant estimate — independent of any insurance company.
Your safety comes first. Even low-speed collisions can cause injuries that don't show symptoms immediately. If anyone is hurt, call 911.
A police report creates an official record of fault. Without one, it's your word against theirs. Get the report number before they leave.
Get their name, phone, insurance company, policy number, license plate, and driver's license. Photo their insurance card.
Photos of all damage from multiple angles — close-ups and wide shots. Capture both cars, debris, skid marks, and road conditions.
Don't say "I'm sorry" or admit fault. Insurance adjusters can use any admission against you. Stick to the facts.
File with their insurer. They cover repairs, rental, and medical. Your rates generally won't increase. Get your own damage estimate first so you can push back on lowball offers.
File through your own uninsured motorist or collision coverage. You'll pay your deductible upfront — some shops offer deductible assistance to reduce that cost.
File a police report immediately. Check nearby cameras for footage. Then file through your collision or UM/UIM coverage. No insurance? Read our no insurance guide.
Will my rates go up? Filing through the at-fault driver's insurer generally won't affect your premiums. Filing through your own coverage is riskier — some insurers raise rates even for not-at-fault claims. Knowing your repair costs upfront helps you decide whether filing is worth it.
A minor fender bender with no injuries? Probably not. But if any of the following apply, a free consultation is worth your time:
You were injured — even if it seems minor now. Whiplash and soft tissue injuries worsen over days. Medical bills and lost wages compound fast.
Damage exceeds $4,000 — higher-damage collisions are more likely to involve hidden injuries and complicated insurance negotiations.
The other driver was clearly at fault — a police report and evidence give an attorney strong leverage for a better settlement.
Insurance is stalling or lowballing — insurers minimize payouts. An attorney knows their playbook.
PI attorneys work on contingency — no upfront cost. They take a percentage of what they recover for you.
Get your free damage estimate above. If your case qualifies, Otto can connect you with a personal injury attorney — no obligation.
Get Your Free Estimate ↑You choose the shop — not your insurer. Insurance companies push "preferred" shops that agree to lower rates and cheaper parts. You're never required to use them.
Get multiple estimates. Start with Otto's free auto body repair estimate above, then get written quotes from 2-3 shops. If the insurer's number is low, the shop can write a supplement after teardown.
Rental car. If the other driver was at fault, their insurance should cover a rental while yours is in the shop. Start the process the day you drop off your vehicle.
In Southern California, Otto's insurance concierge handles everything — towing, insurance coordination, vetted body shop, and deductible assistance. Free to use. Call (213) 514-7112.
Stay at the scene, check for injuries, call the police, exchange insurance info, and document the damage with photos. Then get a free car damage estimate before talking to insurance.
If the other driver was at fault, file with their insurer — your rates generally won't increase. If they're uninsured or fled, file through your own collision or uninsured motorist coverage.
Upload a photo of your damage using the form above for a free AI-powered estimate. You'll get an independent repair cost range before dealing with insurance or body shops.
If you were injured, the other driver was at fault, and damage exceeds $4,000, a PI attorney is worth consulting. They work on contingency — no upfront cost.
Your uninsured motorist (UM/UIM) or collision coverage may pay. You can also pursue the at-fault driver in small claims court. Get an estimate first to know the scope.
Filing through the at-fault driver's insurer generally won't raise your rates. Filing through your own coverage is riskier — knowing your repair costs helps you decide if it's worth it.