-First, always be sure to have these documents in your glove compartment at all times: your car insurance information; paper and a pencil; a disposable or cheap digital camera. It is a good idea to keep several photocopies of your car insurance information, too.

-After an accident, exchange names, addresses, driver’s license, and car insurance information with the driver of the car.

-Take photos of the scene. If the other driver doesn’t have a camera, and your camera is digital, you may want to be polite and ask if he or she would like you to email copies of the photos. Be sure to get close-up photos of any damage that may have been caused by the accident. If the cars are still in the same places as they were immediately after impact, be sure to take distance photos of all cars involved in order to clearly show the positions of all vehicles. If the cars have been moved, photograph the area where impact happened, being sure to include any traffic signals or signs, skid marks on the road, etc.

-Do not leave the scene of the accident until police arrive! You want them to know your version of what happened. If you leave the scene and the other drive talks to the police, the police report could include only his or her perspective on events. Be sure to get the name of the police officer, too, and write it down. Sometimes officers don’t file reports on “minor” accidents (accidents in which no one was hurt, no matter how damaged the vehicles may be). If a report isn’t filed on your accident and you need the officer to testify, knowing his or her name will make things a lot easier.

-Report the accident to your car insurance company immediately; even if both you and the other driver seem to agree that you weren’t at fault. You want to make sure that your insurance company has your version of events on record if the other driver’s insurance company comes knocking—even, or especially, if you aren’t at fault. Don’t be concerned about increased car insurance rates, because state laws usually protect no-fault drivers from increased rates.