A Step-by-Step Guide from Hoppy Insurance Agency

Being involved in a car accident is one of the most stressful experiences a driver can face. Whether it’s a minor fender bender or a serious collision, your actions in the moments that follow can have a big impact on your safety, your finances, and your insurance.

At Hoppy Insurance Agency, we help drivers across Chesterfield and Central Virginia navigate the aftermath of accidents every day. In this post, we’ll walk you through what to do immediately after a crash, what information to gather, how to protect your claim, and when to get your insurance agent involved.

Step 1: Check for Injuries and Call for Help

Your safety comes first. Before anything else, check yourself, your passengers, and anyone else involved for injuries.

If there are injuries, call 911 immediately.
Even if there are no injuries, you must report the accident to the police if there is property damage or any suspicion of injury.

Virginia law requires drivers to stop at the scene of an accident and render aid if necessary. Never drive away, even if the crash seems minor.

Step 2: Move to a Safe Location

If your vehicle is still operable and it’s safe to do so, move it out of the flow of traffic to avoid further damage or injury. Turn on your hazard lights and set out flares or warning triangles if you have them.

If the vehicle is not safe to drive, stay inside with your seatbelt on until help arrives.

Step 3: Call the Police

In Virginia, you are required to report any accident that involves:

Injury or death
Property damage of $1,500 or more
A driver who flees the scene (hit-and-run)

Even in minor situations, it’s smart to file a police report. The documentation will help later if there are any disagreements about who was at fault.

When the officer arrives, stick to the facts. Don’t admit fault or speculate about what happened. Just explain what you saw and experienced.

Step 4: Exchange Information

If you’re physically able and it’s safe to do so, exchange the following details with the other driver(s):

Full name and contact information
Driver’s license number and state
License plate number and state
Insurance company name and policy number
Make, model, and color of vehicles involved
Location of the accident

Avoid discussing fault or how the accident happened with the other driver. Keep the conversation calm and factual.

Step 5: Document the Scene

Use your phone to take clear photos and notes of the following:

All vehicles involved, including damage
Roadway conditions and weather
Position of vehicles before and after impact
Skid marks or debris
Traffic signs or signals nearby
Any injuries visible at the time

Also, get contact information for any witnesses. Their statements can be valuable later if there’s a dispute.

At Hoppy Insurance Agency, we often help our clients navigate claims that come down to the smallest details. The more evidence you gather, the stronger your case will be.

Step 6: Notify Your Insurance Company

Report the accident to your insurance carrier as soon as possible—even if you think the other driver is at fault.

Most companies allow you to file a claim online or through a mobile app, but you can also call their claims department directly. Provide all the information you gathered and follow their instructions carefully.

If you’re insured through Hoppy Insurance Agency, contact us right after reporting the accident. We’ll:

Help you understand what your policy covers
Make sure you’re being treated fairly by the adjuster
Walk you through repairs, rental car options, and deductibles
Help resolve any disputes about liability

You don’t have to navigate the claims process alone—we’ll advocate for you from start to finish.

Step 7: Know Your Coverages Before the Crash

It’s too late to change your policy after an accident, which is why we recommend reviewing your coverage at least once a year.

Here are a few key coverages Virginia drivers often ask about after an accident:

Liability Coverage: Required by law. Pays for injuries and property damage you cause to others.
Collision Coverage: Pays to repair or replace your vehicle if you hit another car or object.
Comprehensive Coverage: Covers non-collision damage like theft, vandalism, or hitting a deer.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM): Helps if the other driver doesn’t have enough insurance.
Medical Payments Coverage: Pays for your medical expenses regardless of fault.
Rental Reimbursement: Covers the cost of a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired.

At Hoppy Insurance Agency, we make sure you understand what each line of your policy means—before you ever have to use it.

Step 8: Watch for Delayed Symptoms or Damage

Not all injuries show up immediately. If you start to feel sore, dizzy, or develop headaches or other symptoms in the days following an accident, see a doctor.

Similarly, not all vehicle damage is visible. What looks like a minor bumper dent could hide thousands in frame or alignment repairs.

Don’t close your claim too quickly. Let your adjuster know if additional issues arise.

Step 9: Stay Organized

Keep a folder with everything related to your accident:

Police report
Claim number and adjuster contact info
Medical records and bills
Repair estimates and receipts
Any written communication from insurance companies

If a liability issue or injury claim arises, you’ll be glad to have everything in one place.

Step 10: Lean on Your Local Agent

Working with a local, independent agent like Hoppy Insurance Agency makes a difference.

We’re not a call center—we’re your neighbors in Chesterfield. When you’re in a stressful situation like an accident, we can:

Walk you through your coverage step-by-step
Coordinate with your insurance company
Help you choose a trusted local body shop
Make sure your claim is handled properly
Answer questions any time—not just during business hours

We’re here to help you move forward after a crash—not just sell you a policy.

Final Thoughts

Car accidents can be overwhelming, but knowing what to do ahead of time makes all the difference.

By following the steps in this guide, you’ll protect yourself legally, medically, and financially—and ensure a smoother claims process.

At Hoppy Insurance Agency, we’re proud to serve drivers across Chesterfield County with real advice, real support, and real coverage.

If you’re not sure your current policy has your back in an accident, let us take a look. We’ll review your coverage and help you make changes before something happens—not after.