What to do after your car is damaged

Discovering your car is damaged is a stressful experience. Whether it’s a minor dent or major collision damage, the next steps can be confusing. This guide can help you through the claims process.

Immediate steps to take

First, check if everyone is safe. If there are injuries, call 911 immediately. Your safety is the top priority.

Next, document what happened. Taking photos of the damage from several angles is a good idea. Photographic evidence provides a clear, visual record of an accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and hazards, which can illustrate the circumstances of a collision more effectively than words alone.¹ If another driver was involved, get their name, phone number, and insurance details. You should also collect contact information for any witnesses.

Dealing with insurance

Filing an insurance claim can feel complicated. You should report the incident to your insurance company as soon as you can. Reporting promptly can help prevent delays in processing your claim.²

When you speak with an adjuster, their job is to assess the damage and make a settlement offer based on the policy and their findings. Insurance companies are businesses, and their initial offer may be negotiable.³ You are not required to accept the first offer, especially if you believe it does not cover the full extent of your damages.

Getting your car repaired

Your insurance company may recommend a "preferred" body shop. In many states, you have the right to choose your own repair facility.⁴ You can use a recommended shop or one you select yourself. The goal is to find a reputable shop that will perform quality repairs.

Always get a written estimate before any work begins. This is your best defense against unexpected charges.

What if the offer is too low?

If you believe the insurance company’s offer is unfair, you have options. You can negotiate. The initial offer can often be treated as a starting point for discussion. A consumer's right to obtain an independent repair estimate from a registered auto body repair shop for a damaged vehicle is legally established, even when pursuing an insurance claim for the repair.⁵

General information, not legal advice.

Sources

1. Martin, Jean, Jackson, Martin & Peach, 2026 - https://mjjlawfirm.com/photographic-evidence-in-oklahoma-car-accident-claims/

2. A Consumer's Guide to Automobile Insurance, New York State Department of Financial Services - https://www.dfs.ny.gov/consumers/auto_insurance/auto_insurance_consumers_guide

3. New York Insurance Regulation 64 (11 NYCRR 216.7(c)) - https://www.dfs.ny.gov/insurance/ogco2004/rg041209.htm

4. Georgia Code § 33-34-6. Selection of Motor Vehicle Repair Facility - https://law.justia.com/codes/georgia/2022/title-33/chapter-34/section-33-34-6/

5. California Insurance Code, Section 2695.85 (b)(5) - https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=INS&sectionNum=2695.85.