Insurance is another critical piece of the Driving Challenge, which can be a challenge, to driving. In short, don’t drive without it! Drivers are required to have insurance; it is your protection against hitting someone and being hit.

This video will provide you with a good review to explain the importance of car insurance and safe driving.


CREDIT: Central Insurance, Insurance 101 – Personal Auto Coverages

The video you just watched described collisions and crashes as “Accidents.”  Why? Because we have fallen into a common usage of the word “accident” – which does not assign responsibility for a collision or crash.  But remember, the word “accident” almost never accurately describes a motor vehicle collision or crash.

What to do if you are involved in collision or crash where you are the driver

#1) Be Prepared

  • Always have your driver’s license with you, especially if you are the one behind the wheel.
  • Know where the state registration card and proof of insurance are kept in the vehicle you are driving.
  • It also helps to have a pen and a card with any relevant medical information for you and your family.

#2) Immediately After a Car Collision or Crash

  • Take a deep breath and stay calm.
  • Check for injuries; call an ambulance when in doubt.
  • If accident is minor, move cars to a safe place, out of traffic.
  • Turn on your vehicle’s hazard lights and use cones, warning triangles or flares for safety to help other drivers avoid becoming involved in your accident.
  • Call the police, even if the accident is minor.
  • Notify your insurance agent immediately.

#3) Get the facts – a checklist of important information you need to know 

  • Do not sign any document unless it’s for the police or your insurance agent.
  • Make immediate notes about the collision, including specific damages to all vehicles involved, witness information, etc.
  • HELPFUL HINTS:
    • Rather than attempting to write down all the information given to you by the other driver(s), use your cell phone camera to take pictures of:
    • The license plate(s) on the other vehicle(s) involved in the collision
    • The driver’s license(s) of the other driver(s) involved in the collision
    • The proof of insurance card(s) for the other vehicle(s) involved in the collision
    • The registration card(s) for the other vehicle(s) involved in the collision
      VERY IMPORTANT: If the driver of the other vehicle(s) is not the named owner on the registration card – ask what the driver’s relationship is to the owner is, add that information to your notes.
    • After you have gathered the information on the driver, owner and insurance coverage for the other vehicle(s) involved in the collision, take pictures of the vehicles involved, with at least one showing any damage on each vehicle.
    • Also take pictures of nearby street signs and other landmarks to identify the accident location.

    Now a quick video review of what you should have learned from this topic.


    CREDIT: Rough Notes/Greenworks Video, Teen Auto Insurance

    FINAL REMINDERS

  • Be polite, but don’t tell anyone the collision was your fault, even if you think it was.
  • State only the facts, and limit your discussion of the collision to the police and your insurance agent.
  • Don’t leave the collision scene before the police and other drivers do, if at all possible.