How to Handle Insurance After a Car Accident in Arizona
A car accident can be a stressful and overwhelming experience — especially when it comes to dealing with insurance.
Whether it’s a minor fender bender or a major collision, knowing what steps to take immediately after an accident can make a huge difference in how smoothly your claim is processed.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to handling insurance after a car accident in Arizona, so you can protect yourself, your vehicle, and your rights.
Step 1: Make Sure Everyone is Safe
Your first priority should always be safety.
Check yourself and any passengers for injuries.
If it’s safe to do so, move your vehicle out of traffic to prevent further accidents.
Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance if needed.
Even in minor accidents, it’s a good idea to have a police officer on the scene to create an official accident report — which can be very helpful during the insurance claims process.
Step 2: Document the Scene
Before leaving the scene, gather as much information as possible. This will help support your claim and protect you from disputes later on.
Take photos of:
All vehicles involved, including damage and license plates
The accident scene (intersection, skid marks, traffic signs, etc.)
Any visible injuries
Exchange the following details with the other driver(s):
Name, phone number, and address
Driver’s license number
Insurance company and policy number
License plate number and vehicle make/model
Step 3: Notify Your Insurance Company
Once everyone is safe and the scene is documented, contact your insurance company as soon as possible.
The sooner you report the accident, the faster your claim can move forward.
When calling your insurance company, be prepared to provide:
The date, time, and location of the accident
The other driver’s information and insurance details
Photos and any police report information you have
Pro Tip: Stick to the facts. Avoid speculating or admitting fault — just describe what happened clearly and accurately.
Step 4: Understand Arizona’s Insurance Laws
Arizona is an at-fault state, which means the driver responsible for causing the accident is liable for damages.
Their insurance company is typically responsible for paying for:
Vehicle repairs
Medical expenses
Property damage
Other related costs
However, your own insurance may step in to cover expenses depending on your policy, especially if:
The at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured
You have collision coverage or medical payments coverage
Knowing your policy limits and coverage details before an accident happens can save you from costly surprises later.
Step 5: Work With a Trusted Auto Body Shop
Once your claim is started, you’ll need to choose a shop to repair your vehicle.
While insurance companies may suggest certain Direct Repair Program (DRP) shops, you always have the right to choose where your car is repaired.
At Harvil Auto Body, we:
Work directly with insurance companies to handle paperwork and communication
Provide accurate repair estimates and photos to support your claim
Help you navigate the claims process from start to finish
Offer a lifetime warranty on all our repair work for peace of mind
This takes the stress off your shoulders and ensures your vehicle is repaired to factory standards.
Step 6: Sign a Direction to Pay Form
In many cases, you can sign a Direction to Pay form at your repair shop.
This document allows the insurance company to pay the shop directly, so you don’t have to deal with payments and reimbursements.
This step:
Simplifies the payment process
Prevents delays in repair work
Helps you avoid being stuck paying large bills upfront
Step 7: Follow Up and Stay Involved
Even with a great shop and insurance partner, stay proactive.
Check in regularly on the status of your claim and repairs
Keep all documentation, including emails, receipts, and reports
Ask questions if something isn’t clear
Being informed will help you avoid delays and ensure everything is handled correctly.
The Bottom Line
Dealing with insurance after a car accident in Arizona doesn’t have to be stressful.
By following these steps — and partnering with a shop that understands the process — you can protect yourself, speed up your claim, and get your car back on the road safely.
At Harvil Auto Body, we’ve helped countless Tempe drivers navigate the insurance maze.
From towing to paperwork to top-quality repairs, our team is here to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
If you’re looking for a trusted auto body shop in Tempe, our family has been here for four generations. Let us take care of your vehicle with the craftsmanship you deserve.
