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Your teenager just called. They were in an accident. The first few seconds after that call are the hardest, because you don't know how serious it is, you don't know what they're supposed to do next, and you're probably not standing next to them.
Here is what to tell them right now, and what steps to take after.
Step one: make sure everyone is safe
Before anything else, your teen needs to check if anyone is hurt. If there are injuries, call 911 immediately. Even if the accident looks minor, calling 911 is never the wrong move. A police officer can document what happened, and that report matters a lot when insurance gets involved.
If the cars are driveable and the road is safe, move them out of active traffic and turn on the hazard lights. Getting out of a live lane comes first. Then stop, stay put, and wait.
The one thing your teen should not do at the scene
Do not admit fault. Not to the other driver, not to any bystanders, not to anyone. When you're scared and rattled, it feels natural to say you're sorry. In an insurance claim, that kind of statement can be treated as an admission of fault even when you're not entirely to blame.
Tell your teen: be polite, exchange information, and say nothing about who caused what. Fault gets sorted out later by the insurance companies based on the evidence, not by what your teen said on the side of the road.
Do not leave the scene. In California, leaving the scene of an accident is a criminal offense when there are injuries or significant property damage. Stay until the situation is resolved and any police report is complete.
What to collect before leaving the scene
Your teen should get the following from every other driver involved:
- Full name and contact number
- Insurance company name and policy number
- Driver's license number
- License plate number
- Make, model, and year of the other car
If anyone witnessed the accident, get their contact information too. Witness accounts help a lot when the two drivers remember things differently.
Then take photos. Every angle of every car involved. Close up on the point of impact. The full scene, road conditions, any skid marks or debris. We have a full guide on how to document car damage after an accident that walks through this step by step.
Reporting to insurance right away
After the scene is clear, the next step is calling your insurance company. Most carriers have a 24-hour claims line. Report the accident promptly, even if the damage looks minor. Waiting can complicate coverage later.
In most California auto insurance policies, coverage follows the car rather than the driver. If your teen was driving your vehicle, your insurance typically covers the accident. If they were in their own car, their policy covers it. Either way: report it, document it, and let the claim process run.
Our full breakdown of how the claim side works is in how the auto insurance claim process works for collision repair.
Will this affect your insurance rates
This is the first question most parents ask. An at-fault accident can affect premiums, and it typically stays on the record for several years depending on your carrier and your policy. We go into the specifics in does filing a collision claim raise your premium in California.
One thing worth thinking about before you decide to pay out of pocket: if the damage is significant, skipping the claim often costs more than you'd expect. Get an estimate first, then compare that number against your deductible and the potential rate impact. Talk to your agent before deciding.
What if the other driver was uninsured
California requires drivers to carry insurance, but a portion of drivers on the road do not. If your teen got hit by an uninsured driver, your options depend on whether you have uninsured motorist coverage on your policy. With it, your own insurance steps in to cover the repair.
Getting the car repaired properly
Once the claim is filed, the car needs to go to a body shop. In California, you have the right to choose the shop yourself, regardless of what the insurance company suggests. You do not have to use the shop your insurance recommends. That choice belongs to you.
We use The Painless Collision Process here at Mashore Autobody. We open the claim with the insurance company, document all the damage, order the right parts, and manage the repair from first call to final walkthrough. Your teen drops off a damaged car and picks up one that looks like it never happened. We handle the insurance side so neither of you has to figure it out alone.
More on the full repair process at our complete guide to collision repair in Brentwood.
This is manageable, even when it doesn't feel like it
A first accident is jarring. Scary in the moment and stressful in the days after. But the steps are clear once you know them. Document it. Report it. Choose a shop you trust. Get the car fixed right.
We are family owned and operated at Mashore Autobody. Making collision repair painless for you is the whole point. The insurance communication falls on us, not on you or your teen.
Call us at 925-516-1930 or stop in for a free estimate. We work with every insurance company. Bring the damaged car and we'll take it from there.
Frequently asked questions
Can my teen file the insurance claim themselves, or does a parent need to be involved?
If they are 18 or older they can file it themselves. If they are a minor, a parent or guardian typically needs to be part of the claim process. Either way, call the insurance company right away and ask who needs to be on the call.
What if my teen and the other driver disagree about what happened?
That is what the police report and photos are for. Insurance adjusters weigh the evidence, including witness statements and the physical damage patterns on the cars. The more your teen documented at the scene, the stronger your position.
How long will it take to repair the car after my teen's accident?
It depends on the extent of the damage and parts availability. Cosmetic bumper or door work is typically faster than structural repairs. We give you a realistic timeline up front and update you if parts change the schedule.
Do I need to notify my insurance company even if the damage is minor and I plan to pay out of pocket?
Most policies require you to report any accident within a reasonable time, even if you are not filing a claim. Skipping that notification can create problems later if the other driver files a claim against you. Check your policy and call your agent.
Will my teen's accident go on their driving record?
If a citation was issued at the scene, yes, it goes on the driving record. The accident may also go on the insurance record regardless of whether a citation was issued. Both can affect future insurance rates depending on the carrier.
Next step
Call (925) 516-1930 or stop by 44 Sycamore Ave, Suite A in Brentwood. Estimates are free. Read about our what to do after an accident, how we work, or get directions and hours. We serve Brentwood, Oakley, Antioch, Discovery Bay and Byron.