What to Do After a Car Accident
Accidents are stressful, and the first hour matters. Here's what we tell our customers to do, in order, and how we take it from there.
In short
From the team at 20th Century Auto Body, Rosemead, CA · Updated November 2026
- 1
Make sure everyone is safe
Check on everyone involved. If anyone is hurt, call 911. If the cars are drivable and it's safe, move them out of traffic. Turn on your hazard lights.
- 2
Call the police if there are injuries or significant damage
In California you must report an accident to the DMV within 10 days (form SR-1) if anyone was injured or there's more than $1,000 in property damage, regardless of fault. A police report also makes the insurance claim simpler.
- 3
Exchange information
Get the other driver's name, phone number, address, driver's license number, license plate, and insurance company and policy number. Take a photo of their insurance card and license plate.
- 4
Take photos of everything
Photograph all vehicles from several angles, close-ups of the damage, the license plates, the road, skid marks, traffic signs, and the general scene. Photos protect you if the other driver's story changes later.
- 5
Don't admit fault
Be polite and cooperative, but stick to the facts. Let the insurance companies determine fault from the evidence.
- 6
Call us before you call the tow truck
If your car isn't drivable, call us at (626) 442-6555. We'll arrange a tow directly to our shop so the car isn't sitting in a storage yard racking up daily fees. If it was already towed, tell us where it is and we'll have it moved.
- 7
Report the accident to your insurance company
Call your insurer or file through their app. Tell them you've chosen 20th Century Auto Body for the repair. You have the legal right to pick your shop, and they'll work with us from there.
- 8
Schedule your free estimate
Bring the car in, or let us look at it after the tow. We'll write a detailed estimate, send it to the adjuster, and keep you updated through the repair. We can also set you up with a rental car.
Have This Ready When You Call Us
- Photos of the damage and the scene
- The other driver's insurance and contact information
- Police report number, if one was filed
- Your claim number and adjuster's contact, once you've filed
- Your driver's license and registration
Don't have all of it? Call anyway. We'll help you sort out what's missing. See also insurance claims and towing.
Common Questions
Do I have to use the body shop my insurance company suggests?
No. California law gives you the right to have your car repaired at the shop of your choice. Your insurer may recommend a shop in its network, but it cannot require you to use it or penalize you for choosing your own.
What if the other driver was at fault?
You can file through the other driver's insurance (a third-party claim) or through your own and let your insurer recover the cost. Either way, you choose the shop. Bring us the claim information and we'll coordinate with whichever company is paying.
My car was towed from the scene. What now?
Call us at (626) 442-6555 with the name of the tow company or storage yard. We'll arrange to have the vehicle released and brought to our shop. Storage yards charge by the day, so the sooner the better.
Should I get more than one estimate?
You can, but you're not required to. Your insurance company will send an adjuster or review photos to approve the repair. We write our estimate directly against the actual damage and handle any supplements with the adjuster if more damage is found once the car is apart.
Can I drive my car after the accident?
If a wheel is bent, a light is broken, fluid is leaking, the hood or trunk won't latch, or the car pulls to one side, don't drive it. Call us and we'll arrange a tow. Cosmetic bumper and panel damage is usually fine to drive on.
How long will I be without my car?
Minor repairs take a few days. Larger collision repairs can take one to three weeks depending on parts and insurance approval. We'll give you a timeline with your estimate and can arrange a rental car while we work.
Rear-Ended? Fender Bender? We Handle It
Whatever the damage, the process is the same: call us, we arrange the tow if you need one, we deal with the insurance, and we fix the car right.
Just Had an Accident?
Call us now. We'll arrange the tow and walk you through the next steps.