While doing the research for my auto premium comparison post, I noticed that several of the state websites promoted an app called WreckCheck. Created by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), this free mobile app for iPhone and Android is one of those things you should download onto your phone now to hide away in some folder and hopefully never use.
More than simply a checklist, the app will guide you through the steps you should take following an accident. Ideally, it will keep you calm and collected in a time of stress. The app tells you what to do, and also what not to do. As a backup, you can also print out the checklist in PDF form.
Things you should do:
- Keep your vehicle information handy ahead of time (glovebox or in-app) including VIN, license plate number, insurance company, agent name, and policy number.
- Document the time and location of accident (uses your GPS).
- Take pictures of the accident, including damage to all vehicles involved (uses your camera).
- Document what happened, including vehicles and people involved (uses your audio recorder).
- Call the police (tap to call 911). If they are not dispatched, file an incident report.
- Share only your insurance card information, including name and insurance phone number. You are not even required to share your personal phone number.
Things you should NOT do:
- Share your home address or drivers license number.
- Allow someone to take or photocopy your ID.
- Admit fault.
The app can email a completed accident report directly to you and/or your insurance agent. Finally, the app provides tips on how to file and follow up on a claim. Here are some app screenshots and a explanatory video:
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Do insurance cards in California (or other states) not include an address? Or are you suggesting using a PO box or mail service on the insurance card? Here in Texas the address is printed big and bold on the insurance card, which makes it difficult to not give someone your address in case of an insurance information swap. If i was in an accident, I’d certainly want to see the other party’s original insurance card, not just a set of copied information that may or may not be accurate.
I am pretty sure you’re HAVE to copy down the driver’s license number.
and I want to see the other driver’s license. I am not going to just write down whenever that person says his name is.
I mean “whatever”(not whenever) above.
Also there is no insurance “card” in MA. but there is the name of insurance in the vehicle’s registration card.
address might also needed. On the Police’s “Crash data exchange form”, it have driver’s name, DOB, address, owner name, address, insurance name, car registration number, year, make model.
Also some insurance does NOT have agents.
You can try to tell the police officer you’re not going to him your driver’s name and see what will happen because the WreckCheck App tells you not to.
Seems like there are some mis-information on this app. But still good to have.
As others have noted, some of this information doesn’t seem correct. Are you sure the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) created this app?
No driver’s license pictures, home address, or driver’s license number? All of this info AND more is clearly added to the police accident report that’s made available to all involved parties. At least where I live.
I’ve seen people produce false/expired insurance card info and have fraudulent license plates. You need all the information you can get during accidents to minimize the possibility of getting screwed at the end. Which has happened to many of my friends/family members.
California law- Hit and Run Section 20002(a)(1) VC. – You must provide your DL-
(1) Locate and notify the owner or person in charge of that
property of the name and address of the driver and owner of the
vehicle involved and, upon locating the driver of any other vehicle
involved or the owner or person in charge of any damaged property,
upon being requested, present his or her driver’s license, and
vehicle registration, to the other driver, property owner, or person
in charge of that property. The information presented shall include
the current residence address of the driver and of the registered
owner. If the registered owner of an involved vehicle is present at
the scene, he or she shall also, upon request, present his or her
driver’s license information, if available, or other valid
identification to the other involved parties.
Thanks for the comments. I’m sorry if I am passing along incorrect info for certain geographic locations, it was taken directly from the NAIC website and press release:
http://www.naic.org/Releases/2012_docs/wreckcheck_mobile_app_auto_accidents.htm
“Consumers generally need only share their names and correct vehicle insurance information, which should include the phone numbers of insurance providers. Sharing additional personal information, such as driver’s license numbers and home addresses, puts consumers, their property and their safety at risk.”