“A car crash can leave you feeling overwhelmed, frightened and vulnerable,” Insurance Commissioner Michael Consedine said. “Even if the crash appears to be minor, consumers need to document what happened and contact their insurance company to start the claims process.”
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners recently released a free mobile app for iPhone® and Android® smartphones with directions on what to do after an accident.
WreckCheck allows consumers to create their own accident report for their insurance company. Drivers can email their completed reports to themselves and their insurance agents.
State Police Commissioner Frank Noonan added that if possible, drivers should move their vehicles off the road and to stay in a safe location at the scene of the accident until police arrive.
“Drivers need to be aware of their surroundings and not block the roadway,” Noonan said. “If you need to call 911, gather as much information as possible to provide an accurate location to the dispatcher, such as the closest highway mile-marker or nearest intersection to your location.”
Pennsylvania law requires drivers to report any accident to police that involves injury or enough damage that at least one of the vehicles must be towed.
Drivers should have their license, registration and insurance information handy and ready to give to the officer upon arrival at the scene.
To learn more about auto insurance, or to watch a video about WreckCheck go to www.insurance.pa.gov.
Consumers with questions may also call the department’s toll-free hotline at 877-881-6388.