What to do after an accident

If anyone is hurt, call 911 first. This guide is general information, not legal advice.

At the scene

1. Stay calm and check yourself and your passengers for injuries. Call 911 if anyone is hurt.
2. If it’s safe, move vehicles out of traffic and turn on your hazard lights. Use flares or triangles if you have them.
3. Call the police and request an officer. Get the report number.
4. Exchange information with the other driver: name, phone, address, driver’s license, plate number, insurance company and policy number.
5. Get names and phone numbers of witnesses.
6. Take photos of all vehicles, the scene, road conditions and any injuries.
7. Don’t admit fault or discuss the accident beyond exchanging information.
8. Need a tow? Call us at (253) 473-9140 and we’ll arrange one with Bill's Towing.

Filing your insurance claim

1. Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible, even if the other driver is at fault. Write down your claim number.
2. If the other driver is at fault, you can also file a claim with their insurer (you’re the claimant).
3. Tell the insurer where you want your vehicle repaired. Start a free photo estimate with us through CCC CarWise. You’ll upload photos and add your VIN, insurer and claim number.
4. Ask about rental coverage. We arrange rentals through Enterprise and provide a local shuttle.
5. If you’re claiming through your own policy, your deductible is due at pickup. As a claimant, there is normally no deductible.
6. If hidden damage is found during repair, we submit a supplement to your insurer for approval.

Your right to choose a repair shop in Washington

You choose where your vehicle is repaired. Your insurer may recommend a shop, but you don’t have to use it. Washington’s insurance regulations on motor vehicle claims, WAC 284-30-390 (opens in a new tab) (adopted under RCW 48.30.010), say insurers must:

• Make a good-faith effort to communicate with the repair facility chosen by the claimant.
• Not require you to travel an unreasonable distance for an estimate, to have the vehicle repaired at a specific facility, or to get a rental.
• Not require a photo-only evaluation: you can ask for an in-person inspection.
• Explain their reasons in writing if they pay less than your chosen shop’s estimate.
• Consider supplemental damage found during repair and respond promptly.
• Explain in writing how towing and storage charges will be covered.

If you choose a shop whose price is higher than the insurer’s estimate, you may be responsible for the difference. Ask your insurer before repairs begin, and we’ll help you through the conversation. Read the full rule at the Washington State Legislature website (opens in a new tab) or contact the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner.

Source: WAC 284-30-390, “Acts or practices considered unfair in the settlement of motor vehicle claims,” as amended by WSR 26-17-089 (effective Oct. 18, 2026). Checked Oct. 27, 2026.