Being in an accident is stressful, but knowing the right steps to take can make the process smoother and protect your safety, your wallet, and your rights. Here’s a simple guide to follow:
Move to a safe location if possible.
Check for injuries and call 911 if anyone is hurt.
Turn on hazard lights.
Even for minor accidents, getting an official police report helps protect you from disputes later. The officer will document the scene and exchange information.
Use your phone to take clear photos of:
Vehicle damage
License plates
Driver’s licenses
Insurance cards
The accident scene from multiple angles
This will help with your claim and speed up the repair process.
Make sure you get:
Name and contact info
Insurance company and policy number
Vehicle make, model, and license plate
Police report number
Avoid discussing fault at the scene—just gather information.
Report the accident as soon as possible. Provide basic facts, but you do not have to accept their recommended repair shop.
In Alabama, you have the legal right to choose where your vehicle is repaired—not the insurance company.
Insurance companies may suggest preferred shops, but the choice is 100% yours. Choosing your own repair facility ensures you get the quality, safety, and service you expect.
At FenderFix Paint & Body, we work with all insurance companies, follow OEM repair procedures, and handle the paperwork so you don’t have to.
Once your claim is open, you can schedule an inspection and repair with the shop of your choice.
At FenderFix, we:
Help guide you through the claim
Communicate directly with the insurer on your behalf
Use proper OEM procedures for safe, high-quality repairs
Stand behind our work with a warranty