Two female friends enjoying their weekend getaway

No one plans to get into a car accident, especially not a minor one that seems small at first but still leaves you rattled. Fender benders are incredibly common on Massachusetts roads, from busy intersections in Springfield to tight parking lots in Chicopee and surrounding towns.

The good news?
Most fender benders are manageable if you know what to do next.

At E.J. O’Neil Insurance, we’ve helped countless local drivers navigate minor accidents without panic, unnecessary delays, or costly mistakes. This guide walks you through exactly what to do after a fender bender in Massachusetts, step by step, so you can protect yourself, your vehicle, and your insurance record.

First Things First: Take a Breath and Focus on Safety

Even low-speed accidents trigger adrenaline. Before worrying about insurance or fault, pause and make sure everyone involved is okay.

Check for Injuries

Ask yourself and others involved if anyone is hurt. If there’s any doubt, neck pain, dizziness, or visible injury, call 911 immediately.

Get Out of Harm’s Way

If vehicles are drivable and no one is injured, move them to a safe area out of traffic. Massachusetts allows this and encourages clearing the roadway to prevent secondary accidents.

Turn On Hazard Lights

This simple step alerts other drivers and reduces the risk of another collision.

Important reminder: Never put yourself in danger just to move a vehicle. If the situation feels unsafe, wait for police assistance.

Documenting the Accident: What to Capture While It’s Fresh

Documentation is one of the most important steps after a fender bender and it’s often rushed or incomplete.

Take Clear Photos

Use your phone to photograph:

  • Both vehicles (multiple angles)
  • Close-ups of damage
  • License plates
  • The surrounding area (road signs, traffic lights, weather conditions)

Photos help insurance companies understand what happened and reduce disputes later.

Exchange Information

Make sure you collect:

  • Driver’s name and contact info
  • Insurance company and policy number
  • License plate number
  • Driver’s license info

Avoid discussing fault at the scene. Stick to facts only.

Look for Witnesses

If someone saw the accident and is willing, get their name and contact information. Witness statements can be very helpful if stories differ later.

Do You Need to Call the Police in Massachusetts?

This is one of the most common questions we hear.

In Massachusetts, a police report is generally required if:

  • Anyone is injured
  • There is significant property damage
  • A vehicle needs to be towed
  • A driver appears impaired
  • The situation is contentious or unclear

For very minor accidents with no injuries and minimal damage, drivers often exchange information without police involvement. However, when in doubt, calling the police is usually the safer choice.

Helpful Tip:
Massachusetts also requires a Motor Vehicle Crash Operator Report to be filed with the RMV if damage exceeds a certain threshold. Your agent can help you understand when this applies.

Understanding Your Insurance After a Fender Bender

Once the immediate situation is under control, insurance becomes the next concern.

Review Your Coverage

Your auto insurance policy determines:

  • Whether repairs are covered
  • Which deductible applies
  • Whether a rental car is included
  • How claims affect future premiums

This is where having a local agent matters. We help clients understand what coverage applies before filing, so there are no surprises.

Comprehensive vs. Collision

  • Collision coverage typically applies if your car hits another vehicle or object.
  • Comprehensive coverage applies to non-collision incidents (like falling branches or vandalism).

For fender benders, collision coverage is usually involved.

Filing the Claim: Timing and Communication Matter

If you decide to file a claim, don’t delay.

Report Promptly

Most insurers recommend reporting accidents as soon as possible, often within 24 hours. Prompt reporting helps:

  • Preserve details
  • Speed up repairs
  • Prevent claim complications

Provide Complete Information

Submit photos, statements, and any police reports promptly. The more complete your submission, the smoother the process.

Stay in Touch

Keep communication open with your adjuster and your agent. If anything feels unclear or delayed, that’s a good time to reach out to E.J. O’Neil Insurance for guidance.

Should You File a Claim for Every Fender Bender?

Not always.

If damage is minor and close to your deductible amount, it may make financial sense to pay out of pocket rather than file a claim. Filing small claims can sometimes affect future rates.

This is a perfect example of why calling your agent before filing can help you make an informed decision.

We’ll walk through:

  • Estimated repair costs
  • Your deductible
  • Potential long-term impact
  • Other options available

When to Call Your Insurance Agent (Hint: Sooner Than You Think)

You don’t need to wait until paperwork piles up.

It’s smart to call your agent:

  • Immediately after the accident
  • Before filing a claim
  • When you receive an estimate
  • If fault is disputed
  • If repairs are delayed
  • At renewal time after an accident

At E.J. O’Neil Insurance, we don’t just process policies, we help clients think through situations calmly and clearly.

Why Local Support Makes Fender Benders Easier

Online insurance platforms can quote quickly, but they don’t help much when things go sideways.

A local agency like E.J. O’Neil Insurance offers:

  • Knowledge of Massachusetts accident reporting rules
  • Familiarity with local body shops and claim practices
  • Clear explanations without call-center scripts
  • Help with RMV paperwork when needed
  • Free notary services for claim-related documents

That local support often saves time, stress, and money.

Avoiding Common Fender Bender Mistakes

Here are a few things we encourage drivers not to do:

  • Don’t admit fault at the scene
  • Don’t skip documentation because “it’s minor”
  • Don’t delay reporting if damage worsens
  • Don’t assume your policy works the way you think
  • Don’t navigate claims alone if you don’t have to

Small accidents can turn into big headaches when steps are missed early.

Reminder: Prepared Drivers Stress Less

Fender benders happen. What matters is how prepared you are when they do.

Knowing the right steps and having a trusted local insurance partner can turn a frustrating situation into a manageable one. With the right guidance, most minor accidents are resolved smoothly and without long-term issues.

If you ever have questions after an accident, or want to review your auto insurance before something happens, E.J. O’Neil Insurance is here to help.

Call us or visit our Chicopee office for clear answers, local support, and peace of mind whether you’ve just had a fender bender or simply want to be prepared.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I always need to call the police after a fender bender?
Not always, but injuries, disputes, or significant damage generally warrant a police report.

How soon should I report an accident to my insurer?
As soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours.

Can E.J. O’Neil help me review my coverage after an accident?
Yes. We regularly help clients understand coverage, deductibles, and next steps after accidents.

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