Should I call my insurance company if the accident was not my fault?

Yes. Report it to your own insurer promptly. Your policy may require it, and your insurer can help if the other driver's insurance is slow or the driver has none.

What if the other driver has no insurance?

Uninsured motorist coverage on your own policy may help with your injuries, and South Dakota requires it on auto policies. Damage to your vehicle may fall under collision coverage. Your insurer decides how your policy applies.

Do I need a police report for a minor accident?

South Dakota requires reporting crashes with injuries or property damage over a set amount, and damage is often more expensive than it looks. A report also helps your claim. When in doubt, call law enforcement.

What to do after…

What to do after a car accident

Even a minor crash is stressful, and it is easy to forget something important. Keep this checklist handy, or print your insurance summary for the glovebox, so you know exactly what to do.

Step by step

Safety first

Check yourself and passengers for injuries. Call 911 if anyone is hurt.
If you can, move vehicles out of traffic, turn on hazard lights, and set out flares or triangles.
If a vehicle cannot be moved or anyone is injured, stay in a safe place away from traffic until help arrives.

Call the police
South Dakota law requires reporting crashes that cause injury or death, or property damage above a set dollar amount, to law enforcement. When in doubt, call. A police report helps with any claim.
Exchange information
Get each driver's name, phone number, insurance company, and policy number, plus the vehicle's make, model, and license plate. Get names and phone numbers of witnesses too.
Take photos
Photograph all vehicles from every side, the damage up close, license plates, the road and intersection, traffic signs, skid marks, weather, and any injuries.
Be careful what you say
Stay calm and polite, and stick to facts with police and the other driver. Do not argue about fault or agree to pay for damage at the scene.
Report it to your insurance company
Call your insurer's claims line or use its app as soon as you can, even if you think the other driver is at fault. Write down your claim number.
Get checked, and keep records
Some injuries show up hours or days later. See a doctor if anything hurts, and keep every bill, receipt, and repair estimate.

Photograph, write down, and keep

Your record

Police report number and officer's name
Other drivers' names, phones, insurers, policy numbers, and plates
Witness names and phone numbers
Photos of all vehicles, the scene, and injuries
Claim numbers, adjuster names, and receipts

Common regrets to avoid

Leaving the scene before exchanging information
Admitting fault or making side deals at the scene
Posting about the accident on social media

Keep your claims numbers in one place

Save each policy in a free PolicyChecked account and print a one-page insurance summary with every insurer's claims phone and your policy numbers. Create a free account

Need a hand?

Claims are reported to and decided by your insurance company. If you are not sure who to call or what your policy says, a licensed agent can help you find out: (888) 509-8502.

Questions

Understand the policy side

Know what you're covered for before you need it.

Check your coverage free in about a minute, then talk with a licensed agent about anything you want to change or quote.

Check Your Coverage Get a Quote Call (888) 509-8502

What to do after a car accident

Step by step

Call the police

Exchange information

Take photos

Be careful what you say

Report it to your insurance company

Get checked, and keep records