Skip to Content

Need emergency help?

If you're in an accident and need emergency help, call 911.

Auto accident checklist

Use this guide to help you stay safe at the scene of the accident.

What to do after a car accident

Steps to complete What to do after a car accident

  1. Make sure you’re safe.

    Check if you have any injuries and follow these steps to stay safe:

    • Turn on your hazard lights and move your vehicle off the road, but don’t leave the scene.
    • Call 911 if anyone is injured or you can’t move your vehicle.
    • If you're at the scene of the accident with an undriveable car, call us at 800-531-USAA (8722), so we can help immediately with next steps.
  2. Exchange information.

    When you're ready, gather these details from the other driver to start your claim:

    • Name and contact information
    • Driver’s license number
    • Insurance details, including their policy number
    • Vehicle license plate number, year, make and model

    You can find your auto ID card on usaa.com on your policy summary or the USAA Mobile App.

  3. Document the accident.

    The more details you can gather, the faster we can process your claim:

    • Take pictures of any damage and the scene of the accident if you can do it safely.
    • Ask any witnesses for their contact information, if possible.
    • Request a copy of the accident report from the police if they filed one
  4. Start a claim online.

    It’s quick and easy to get started on usaa.com or the USAA Mobile App. We’ll take you through the auto claims process. You can:

    • Upload photos and dashcam footage.
    • Set up an inspection.
    • Schedule repairs.
    • Reserve a rental car, if needed.
Auto Accident Checklist

Video Duration: 1 minutes 7 seconds

Your first steps: Elapsed time 0 seconds [00:00]

When you're involved in an accident, it can be difficult to know what to do next. To make it easy for you, USAA has created this simple checklist.

Whether it's with another vehicle, an animal or pedestrian, the first priority is safety. Call 9-1-1 if there are and injuries. It you're able, move to safety but don't leave the scene of the accident. If safe to do so, take pictures of the accident scene and all vehicle damages.

Exchange information: Elapsed time 28 seconds [00:28]

If your accident involves another driver, you'll need to exchange the following information: name; driver's license number; insurance company and policy number; year, make, model and license plate of any vehicle involved. If anyone witnessed the accident, get their contact info, as well as a police report number if the police arrive to the scene.

Reporting your claim: Elapsed time 47 seconds [00:47]

When you report your claim through the USAA Mobile App or usaa.com, you are able to schedule an inspection, arrange your repairs and if applicable, request a rental car. Click on this page to begin your claim.

End: Elapsed time 1 minute 7 seconds [01:07]

Still need help?

If you can’t find the information you need, you can give us a call at 800-531-USAA (8722).

Need to report an auto claim?