At the scene: secure first, document second. If anyone is injured, call 911. Move the vehicles out of traffic if they're drivable. Turn on hazards, set out triangles or flares if you have them. Once everyone is safe, take photos: damage to all vehicles, license plates, the position of the cars before they're moved (if possible), the road conditions, traffic signs, and any debris pattern. Photos win claim disputes — take more than you think you need.
Exchange information with the other driver. Get their full name, phone number, insurance company name, policy number, license plate, driver's license number, and a photo of their insurance card. Give them yours. If the police arrive, get the report number and the responding officer's name. Arizona requires drivers to report accidents involving injury or death under ARS §28-667; for damage-only minor accidents, Phoenix-area police-response policies vary by department and many deprioritize minor-damage no-injury collisions. Officers will typically document the scene if you ask.
Decide whose insurance to file with. If the other driver was clearly at fault, you can file with their liability carrier — they pay the full repair, your rental, and any medical bills with no deductible to you. If fault is disputed or the other driver is uninsured, file with your own collision coverage (faster) and let your insurer subrogate. If the damage is minor and under your deductible, you may decide not to file at all. Most accidents over $1,500 are worth filing.
Place the call. Most insurers have 24/7 claim hotlines and apps. State Farm, GEICO, Progressive, Allstate, USAA — all let you start a claim in 5-10 minutes by phone or app. You'll need: your policy number, the other driver's info, the date/time/location of the accident, a description of what happened (stick to facts, no speculation), photos, and the police report number if any. The carrier issues you a claim number on the spot.
Get the car to a body shop. You don't need to wait for the adjuster's first inspection — most insurers prefer the shop to write the estimate. In Arizona you have the legal right under ARS §20-468 to choose any licensed body shop, regardless of what your insurer recommends. Bring the claim number, the adjuster's name and contact, your insurance card, and your registration. Orlando Auto Body handles the rest: estimate, supplements, repair, paint, and final payment with the carrier.
Common mistakes that cost money. Admitting fault at the scene (don't — let the insurance companies determine fault from the evidence). Accepting a quick cash settlement at the scene from the other driver (almost always shortchanges you). Letting the at-fault carrier send you to their direct repair program shop without knowing your right to choose. Failing to ask about diminished value if you weren't at fault — most adjusters don't volunteer it. Forgetting to keep all your receipts (rental, medical, towing) for reimbursement.