In Case Of Emergency

We all know that we should exchange information in case of an accident. However, in this era of identity theft, it’s important to know which information to exchange and which to keep to ourselves.

Give your name, but not your address, phone number, email address, or any other contact information to other drivers, passengers, or witnesses.

Give the make, model, year, VIN, and color of your vehicle.

Give the name of your insurance company, your policy number, and the name and phone number of your agent.

Similarly, when you are obtaining information from the other driver, you only need their name and insurance information, but, if they don’t give you insurance information, then get their contact information. Do write down names and contact information for any witnesses.

Never let anyone photograph your driver’s license or registration. You should, if it’s safe, photograph license plates of vehicles involved, any and all damages, street signs to show location, skid marks and the like, and stuff that might have been a factor in causing the accident, such as an obscured traffic sign.