Accident Information
- 1. STOP! Remain calm. Do not leave the scene. If your car is creating a safety hazard or if you are concerned with your personal safety, move yourself and your vehicle to a safer place.
- 2. Call the police immediately and follow their instructions. In minor accidents, the police may instruct you to exchange information with the other driver(s) and then contact your insurance company.
- 3. Do not admit fault. Do not discuss the accident with anyone except the police or your insurance company.
- 4. Complete as much of the accident report form as possible. (Secure the names, phone numbers, addresses and insurance information of the involved parties. Obtain witness name, phone number and address).
- 5. Notify your insurance company of the accident and follow their directions, remember your rights.
Accident Report Form
For Insurance-Related Problems:
Washington Insurance Department
Insurance Commissioner
Deborah Senn
Insurance Bldg. P.O. Box 40255
Olympia, Washington 98504-0255
(206) 753-7300
In Washington: (800) 562-6900
Attorney General’s Office
Division of Consumer Protection
Attorney General
Christine Gregoire
2000 Bank of California Center
900 4th Ave.
Seattle, Washington 98164-1012
(206) 464-6262
Offices of Insurance Commissioner:
810 3rd ST Suite 650
The General Building
Seattle, Washington 98104
(206) 464-6262
Consumer Protection
P.O. Box 40256
Olympia, WA 98504-0256
Insurance Commissioner
Deborah Senn
Insurance Bldg. P.O. Box 40255
Olympia, Washington 98504-0255
(206) 753-7300
In Washington: (800) 562-6900
Attorney General’s Office
Division of Consumer Protection
Attorney General
Christine Gregoire
2000 Bank of California Center
900 4th Ave.
Seattle, Washington 98164-1012
(206) 464-6262
Offices of Insurance Commissioner:
810 3rd ST Suite 650
The General Building
Seattle, Washington 98104
(206) 464-6262
Consumer Protection
P.O. Box 40256
Olympia, WA 98504-0256
For Insurance-Related Problems:
- You are not required to get more than one estimate. Most insurance companies will come out and estimate the damage themselves, or okay a shops estimate, depending on the details of repair.
- You may have the shop of your choice make the repairs. You are not required to use a shop selected by the claims adjuster. However, you are required by your policy to allow your insurance company a reasonable amount of time to inspect the damages prior to repairing them.
- Only you, the vehicle owner, can authorize repairs on your vehicle. Make sure your insurance company knows where the vehicle is at and that they also have authorized to pay for repairs.
- Repair estimates may vary. A lower estimate may not include necessary things. It’s your vehicle; make sure it’s repaired to your satisfaction. Don’t submit a repair estimate from a shop that you would not let repair your vehicle.
- Your insurance company wants your vehicle properly repaired and you to be completely satisfied with their claims service. You have specific rights and obligations. Review your policy. Understand your rights.
The vehicle is being repaired for you, the owner. You will be required to pay for the repairs upon completion. Most insurance companies will send a check out to the vehicle owner upon completion take that check with you to pick up your vehicle.