What to Do After a Fender Bender in Florida

The first five minutes

A fender bender feels minor until it happens to you. Your heart is racing, traffic is moving around you, and you have to make several decisions quickly. The first priority is always safety. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately. Even minor pain in the neck or back should be taken seriously, because some injuries do not show symptoms right away.

If the vehicles can be driven and nobody is hurt, move them out of traffic to the shoulder or a nearby parking lot. Florida’s “Move Over” and “Steer It, Clear It” rules encourage drivers in minor crashes without injuries to clear travel lanes. Turn on your hazard lights. If it is dark or raining, stay inside your vehicle with your seat belt on until it is safe to get out.

When to call the police in Florida

Florida law requires a crash report when a crash involves injury or death, a hit-and-run, a driver who appears to be under the influence, or a vehicle that must be towed. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles explains reporting requirements and how to request crash reports. Even when a report is not required, calling non-emergency police can help document the scene, especially if the other driver is uncooperative.

Exchange the right information

Collect the following from the other driver:

• Full name and phone number
• Driver’s license number
• License plate number
• Insurance company and policy number
• Vehicle year, make, model and color

Stay calm and polite. Do not argue about who was at fault, and avoid admitting fault at the scene. Fault is determined later by insurers and, if needed, by law enforcement.

Take photos of everything

Your phone is your best tool after a crash. Take wide photos showing both vehicles and their positions, then close-ups of all damage on both vehicles. Photograph the other driver’s plate, their insurance card, the road, traffic signals, skid marks and weather conditions. If there are witnesses, ask for their names and phone numbers.

Look for hidden damage

Low-speed crashes often look harmless. A bumper cover can pop back into shape while the reinforcement, energy absorber, brackets and sensors behind it are damaged. Watch for these warning signs:

• Uneven gaps between the bumper and fenders or lights
• Warning lights on the dashboard, especially for parking sensors, cruise control or collision warning systems
• Headlights or tail lights that are cracked, fogged or not working
• A hood, trunk or liftgate that does not close properly
• Fluid leaking under the vehicle
• A pull in the steering or new vibrations

If you notice any of these, have the vehicle inspected before driving long distances. Our bumper repair page explains how modern bumpers are built and why hidden damage is common.

Notify your insurance company

Report the accident to your insurer as soon as practical, even if you think the other driver will pay. Your policy likely requires prompt notice. Florida requires personal injury protection coverage, which covers certain medical expenses regardless of fault. Property damage to your vehicle depends on fault and the coverage you carry. The Florida Department of Financial Services can help if you have questions or problems with a claim.

Should you file a claim for a small fender bender?

If the damage is small and you were at fault, compare the repair estimate with your deductible. Sometimes paying out of pocket makes more sense. If the other driver was at fault, filing with their insurer usually means you do not pay a deductible. A written estimate from a body shop helps you make an informed decision.

You choose the body shop

Insurers may recommend shops in their network, but in general you have the right to choose where your vehicle is repaired. Pick a shop you trust, that explains the repair clearly, and that will document any hidden damage found during teardown. Read how we approach this on our collision repair page.

Get a written estimate

Bring your vehicle to a body shop for an in-person estimate. Photos help, but hidden damage requires a hands-on inspection. The estimate should list parts, labor, paint and materials. If additional damage is found once the vehicle is disassembled, the shop should document it and discuss it with you before continuing.

Check for recalls while you are at it

Before repairs begin, check your VIN on the NHTSA recall lookup. Open recalls are repaired free by franchised dealers.

Keep records

Keep copies of the police report number, photos, claim numbers, estimates, repair invoices and rental receipts. Good records make claims smoother and help when you eventually sell the vehicle.

A quick checklist to save in your phone

1. Check for injuries and call 911 if needed.
2. Move to safety and turn on hazards.
3. Call police when required.
4. Exchange information.
5. Take photos and get witness contacts.
6. Notify your insurer.
7. Get a written estimate from a shop you trust.

We are here to help

If you have been in a fender bender in Lake Park, North Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Riviera Beach or anywhere in northern Palm Beach County, All Star Auto Repair can inspect the damage and walk you through the next steps. Call (561) 890-7999 or send a free estimate request. Answers to more questions are on our FAQ.