First Fender Bender? Here’s What to Do

Getting into your first fender bender is a common but unpleasant experience that many people go through at one point or another. Everyone makes mistakes, and whether the light impact ends up being your fault or not, it’s important to know exactly what steps you should take. Use this handy guide to prepare yourself.

Stop and Get Out

Fender benders are not typically extreme accidents that risk harm to either party. That said, the situation is still alarming, and can distract those involved. Be very careful when stopping and getting out of your car to inspect the damage. If the crash happened at a traffic-heavy location, be careful not to open your car door in the way of passing traffic or to walk in the way of speeding cars.

Exchange Information

Perhaps the most important and sadly overlooked part of responding to a fender bender is exchanging driver information. It’s common for drivers to both agree that the damage is insignificant, and continue their separate ways without so much as a phone number.

The problem is that drivers aren’t always fully aware of the damage done. Even if something looks like a minor dent, it could cost more than expected to get it repaired. For instance, a bump that seems mostly cosmetic can bend the fender in a way that reduces wheel efficiency. This can lead to other problems that appear well after the initial impact. This is why having the other driver’s insurance and contact information is an important precaution to take in all fender bender accidents.

Call the Police

Even when the hit seems minor, it’s critical to have a police officer take note of the accident and have insurance companies handle the costs for any damage. Regardless of severity, drivers are required to report any and all accidents. Failing to do so is legally troublesome. Without a police officer to inspect the scene and talk to both parties, there is no neutral report on what happened.

Make a Claim

You’ll want to call your insurance company as soon as possible once the officer is finished. This will give the company as much time as possible to set up your claim and investigate. From here, you have a few more steps. First, get an estimate for the damages from a reputable mechanic. Sometimes the insurance company will recommend a specific place to get the estimate. Don’t worry, because you as the owner still choose where to get the repairs.

Lastly you’ll have to either pay the deductible or have the faulty driver’s insurance pay your deductible, depending on the situation and where you live. From that point, you should get the claim check once the process finalizes.

Getting into a fender bender is always a memorable experience, whether for the nerves, the frustration, the cost, or other factors. Go by the book and don’t cut any corners. You’ll be protecting yourself from any potential missteps. Before you know it, you and/or the other person’s vehicle will be repaired properly, with minimal frustration or expense to everyone involved. Good luck out there!