Should I call my insurance from the accident scene?

You can, but it's not required. Many people file the claim later that day from home with photos and notes already organized. What matters is filing within your insurer's notice-of-loss window (typically 30 days, but sooner is always better).

Do I need to file a police report for a minor accident?

Arizona requires drivers to report accidents involving injury or death under ARS §28-667. For damage-only minor accidents, local department response policies vary and many Phoenix-area departments deprioritize minor no-injury collisions. Having a police record still strengthens your insurance claim and protects against fraudulent counterclaims, so calling non-emergency dispatch is worthwhile if 911 is overkill.

What if the other driver doesn't have insurance?

If you carry Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD), your own insurance pays for repair without a deductible. If not, you can file under your collision coverage (with deductible) and your insurer will pursue the at-fault driver. Worst case: small claims or civil court.

When should I call a body shop after an accident?

As soon as you have a claim number. Most shops (including OAB) can write the estimate without the adjuster present, get parts on order, and start the file with the carrier. Same-day or next-day inspection is normal for shops with 24/7 drop-off. Common scenario primers: complete Arizona post-accident guide , rear-ended in AZ — what to do first , rear-end collision protocol , photo estimate when not drivable .

What To Do Immediately After a Car Accident (Arizona)

What Should I Do Immediately After a Car Accident?

The first 30 minutes after an Arizona car accident matter more than the next 30 days for your insurance claim. Done right, you have airtight documentation, proper fault assignment, and a clean path to repair. Done wrong, you're fighting an uphill battle on diminished value, fault, and rental coverage. Here's the exact sequence — written by people who've helped customers through tens of thousands of claims since 1989.

Step 1: Check for injuries and call 911 if anyone is hurt. This is non-negotiable. Even if injuries seem minor, call. Adrenaline masks soft-tissue injuries that show up the next day. If you're rear-ended, neck and back symptoms can take 24-72 hours to fully appear. Police presence also creates a contemporaneous record of the scene that's invaluable later. Arizona requires drivers to report accidents involving injury or death under ARS §28-667; for damage-only minor accidents, Phoenix-area department response policies vary and many deprioritize minor no-injury collisions, but officers will typically still document the incident if you call.

Step 2: Move vehicles out of traffic if drivable. Arizona's "quick clearance" law (ARS §28-674) explicitly protects you from being held at fault solely for moving a drivable vehicle off the main roadway before police arrive. Hazard lights on. Triangles or flares if you have them. Don't stand between vehicles — secondary collisions kill more people than primary collisions. Get yourself and passengers to a safe spot off the road.

Step 3: Document everything with photos. Before vehicles get moved (if you have time), photograph: damage to all vehicles from multiple angles, license plates, insurance cards (yours and theirs), driver's licenses, the position of the cars on the road, any skid marks or debris, the street signs and traffic signals, and the road and weather conditions. Take 30+ photos. Storage is free; lost evidence is expensive.

Step 4: Exchange information. Get the other driver's full name, phone, address, insurance company, policy number, vehicle license plate, vehicle VIN if accessible, and driver's license number. Photograph their insurance card and license. If there are witnesses, get their phone numbers — witness statements are gold in disputed-fault cases. Don't accept the other driver's offer to 'just settle this without insurance' — these offers almost always shortchange you and you have no recourse later.

Step 5: What NOT to say at the scene. Don't admit fault. Don't apologize ('I'm sorry' can be used as an admission). Don't speculate about what happened ('I think I might have been going a little fast'). Don't accept any blame, even partial. Stick to facts: 'I was traveling north on Center Street. The other driver came from the east on Main.' Let the insurance companies determine fault from the evidence — that's literally their job.

Step 6: File the claim and get to a body shop. Call your insurance carrier or use their app to start the claim. Most issue a claim number within 10 minutes by phone. If you weren't at fault, you can file with the other driver's carrier instead — they pay the full repair plus rental with no deductible. Bring the claim number, your insurance card, and registration to Orlando Auto Body or any reputable shop. Arizona law (ARS §20-468) gives you the right to choose any licensed shop; you are NOT required to use the insurer's recommended shop.

Call OAB — We'll Walk You Through the Claim

Free appointments. All insurance accepted. Family-owned since 1989. Three Valley locations.

Mesa

1007 S Center St

(480) 844-4858

Scottsdale

3005 N 71st St

(480) 590-3135

Gilbert

3055 E Williams Field Rd

(480) 656-9202