The documents that carry a property claim
The police report or exchange of information. Photographs of both vehicles and the scene. Repair estimates. The rental agreement if a rental was needed. Any diminished-value appraisal for a repaired vehicle. The other driver's insurance information and your own declarations page.
The order of events
Report the crash to your own insurer promptly. Open the claim with the at-fault driver's insurer. Provide the repair estimate and supporting documents. Review the offer against the documents, not against the speed of the reply. Read the release before signing — it closes the claim.
Rules worth knowing before any conversation
Partial fault reduces an Arizona claim by percentage and does not eliminate it. You are not required to give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurer. And Arizona insurers must offer uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, which may matter if the other driver's limits are low.
When to stop and get a consultation
Any injury symptoms, even ones that appear days later. A fault suggestion from the adjuster. An uninsured or minimally insured driver. A release that arrives before treatment is complete. A free consultation costs nothing and can confirm whether continuing on your own makes sense.
Where to go from here
The law is covered in our Arizona car accident guide, and there's a full guide on how to choose a car accident lawyer in Phoenix. A free consultation is available any hour — in English or Spanish. (602) 217-0000.