What to Do After a Fender Bender: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Even a minor fender bender can leave you feeling shaken and unsure of what to do next. Having a clear plan helps you stay calm, protects your legal interests, and makes the insurance and repair process much smoother. Here's a step-by-step guide from the scene of the accident through to getting your vehicle back on the road.

Step 1: Stop and Stay Safe

Pull over to the side of the road as soon as it's safe to do so. Turn on your hazard lights. Do not leave the scene — in Canada, leaving the scene of an accident is a criminal offence. Check yourself and any passengers for injuries before worrying about the vehicles.

Step 2: Call 911 if Needed

If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. In BC, you're also required to report collisions to police if total damage exceeds $10,000 — though in practice, it's worth reporting most accidents regardless of apparent damage, as hidden structural damage often costs more than it looks.

Step 3: Exchange Information

Swap the following with all other drivers involved:

• Full name and contact information
• Driver's licence number
• Vehicle licence plate number
• Insurance information (company and policy number)

Do not discuss fault at the scene. Stick to exchanging information only.

Step 4: Document Everything

Use your phone to photograph the following before moving any vehicles if possible:

• All vehicles involved from multiple angles
• The position of vehicles relative to each other and the road
• Any visible damage, skid marks, or road conditions
• Street signs, traffic signals, and landmarks to establish the location

If there are witnesses, get their contact information. Their account can be valuable if there's a dispute about what happened.

Step 5: Report to ICBC

In BC, you report collisions to ICBC rather than a private insurer for most claims. You can report online at icbc.com or by calling 1-800-910-4222. Have your photos, other driver's information, and your policy number ready. ICBC will assign you a claim number and walk you through next steps.

Step 6: Choose a Repair Shop

In BC, you have the right to choose your own repair shop — you do not have to use a shop recommended by ICBC. That said, ICBC-accredited shops (like CRU-Tech Auto) have direct billing arrangements with ICBC, which simplifies the process for you. We handle the paperwork and communicate directly with your adjuster.

Step 7: Get an Estimate

Bring your vehicle in for an estimate. At CRU-Tech, we'll assess all damage — both visible and structural — and provide a detailed estimate. For ICBC claims, our estimate goes directly to your adjuster. For private repairs, we'll give you a clear breakdown of what's involved and the cost.

After the Repair

Before driving away, inspect the repair carefully in good lighting. Check that panel gaps are even, paint matches, and all affected systems (lights, sensors, doors) function properly. A reputable shop will walk you through the work completed and address any concerns on the spot.

If you've been in a fender bender and need an assessment or estimate, the team at CRU-Tech is here to help. We work directly with ICBC and take the stress out of the repair process.