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CONNECT, powered by American Family Insurance, has changed its name to American Family Insurance. No action is needed by you. Please see our FAQ for quick answers to common questions.
You pulled up to a stoplight. Suddenly you heard the squeal of brakes and felt a bump from behind. Or, perhaps you were waiting to turn at a light and the driver of an oncoming car didn't stop for you.
Intersections can be dangerous, especially in unfamiliar cities and during rush hour. Dozens of drivers are making split-second decisions at the same time. Not all drivers communicate their intentions. Some will follow too closely. Others will fail to yield.
If you or a loved one is ever in an accident at an intersection, we're here to help. If you're a policyholder, start your car accident claim by following these simple steps.
At the scene of an intersection accident
Check for injuries
Intersection accidents have the potential to cause serious injury. If anyone appears to be injured, immediately call 911 and begin providing first aid if needed.
Call the police
Report the accident to police. In addition to helping keep everyone safe, officers can help re-route traffic through the intersection and clear the scene. Most importantly, police officers will also file a formal accident report, which will help everyone involved in the claims process.
Exchange information with the other drivers involved
First, note the other vehicle's license plate number. (Snap a photo with your phone if you don't have a pen and paper handy.) Introduce yourself and ask for the other driver's contact information. Unfortunately, some drivers will insist they are not at fault and that there is no reason to give you any information. If the other driver leaves the scene without communicating, the license plate number will help you track him or her down.
If there are independent witnesses, ask for their contact information and whether they'd confirm location of the vehicles and the course of events. (Passengers may not be considered independent witnesses; their view of what happened may be influenced by their involvement in the accident.)
Take detailed notes
Jot down the date, time, weather and driving conditions. Make notes about what happened, including what you saw, heard and felt. Write down the number of drivers and cars involved, as well as the number of passengers in each car, and any injuries you saw.
Take photos of the accident scene
If you have a smartphone or camera, take pictures of the scene. Photos help show what happened and the degree of damage. If you can, make a diagram to illustrate the course of events, too.
Once you're safe at home
Give us a call
Call to start a car accident claim or notify us that someone will be starting a claim against you. Have your policy number on hand. We'll ask you some basic questions about the accident. Call us regardless of how little damage you see. We're here to help.
Get a check-up for you and your vehicle
If you suffered any injuries, visit your doctor. Even if your vehicle does not appear to have major damage, there may be invisible problems. Take it to an auto repair shop (use your own or find one here (Opens in a new tab)) for a more thorough inspection just to be sure there are no issues.
Prevent intersection accidents
Check both ways before entering an intersection.
Use your blinker to alert other drivers around you that you are turning.
Follow at a safe distance — at least one car length for every 10 miles per hour of speed.
If you need to file a claim with us, but you’re not a policyholder, report it online as a guest or call the claims number: 1-800-872-5246. When you call, have your policy number, vehicle information, accident details, police report (if applicable) and name/insurance information for the other party involved on hand.
American Family Insurance is our brand name. Auto policies are underwritten by American Family Connect Property and Casualty Insurance Company, American Family Connect Insurance Company, or Midvale Indemnity Company, Madison, WI. Property policies are underwritten by Homesite Indemnity Company, Homesite Insurance Company, Homesite Insurance Company of California, Homesite Insurance Company of Florida, Homesite Insurance Company of Georgia, Homesite Insurance Company of Illinois, Homesite Insurance Company of New York, Homesite Insurance Company of the Midwest or Homesite Lloyd's of Texas, Boston, MA. American Family Connect Insurance Agency, Inc., places policies with related and unrelated companies. In Texas, certain property coverages may be underwritten by Ranchers & Farmers Mutual Insurance Company. Each company has sole financial responsibility for its products. Products, pricing, discounts, benefits, and availability vary by state and may be subject to change. Exclusions apply.
Costco Insurance Agency, Inc. is not licensed in New York state. Insurance products are not obtained through the Costco Insurance Agency, Inc. in New York. Costco Wholesale, Costco Insurance Agency, Inc. and its subsidiaries do not underwrite insurance, pay claims or guarantee any of the products or services. Costco Insurance Agency, Inc. (CIA), a licensed insurance agent, may receive compensation.
This article is for informational purposes only and based on information that is widely available. We do not make any guarantees or promise any results based on this information. We are not responsible for the content of any third-party sites that may be linked in this article. This article does not afford, offer, or guarantee any coverage.
