This document discusses important considerations for auto insurance and what information to share after a car accident. It recommends only providing your name, vehicle insurance information, and driver's license if necessary to the other driver. Sharing personal details like your address, phone number, or allowing your license to be photographed puts your privacy and identity at risk. The document also introduces an app called WreckCheck that helps guide users on what to do after an accident and ensures only necessary information is documented and shared.

1. Get The Right Protection For Your Safety,
Your Property And Your Identity
Beyond the sale price, insurance is one of the most important financial questions to consider
before buying a new car.
Most states require individuals to purchase insurance coverage to drive legally. Auto insurance
can be divided into two basic coverage areas: liability and property damage.
When shopping for auto insurance, premium quotations are a useful tool for comparison of
different companies’ products. Two factors determine what you pay for auto insurance. The first
factor is underwriting where insurance companies assess the risk associated with an applicant.
The second factor is rating; the rating assigns a price based on what the insurer believes it will
cost to assume the financial responsibility for the applicant’s potential claim.
With the joys of a new ride comes much responsibility – especially when the unexpected occurs.
In an automobile accident, you are concerned first about your safety and secondly about your
vehicle. Likely, the last thing on your mind is protecting your identity. In fact, a recent NAIC
survey suggests that after an accident, many Americans do not really know what information
they should share with the other driver. State laws vary, but in most cases you need only
provide your name and vehicle insurance information, which should include the name and
phone number of your insurance provider. Sharing personal information such as your address
and phone number may put your privacy and identity at risk. However, if another driver is unable
to provide vehicle ownership and/or insurance information it is appropriate to ask for their phone
number, address and driver's license number.
According to a recent NAIC survey:
 Thirty-eight percent of consumers believed they should share their driver’s license number with the
other driver — one in six would even allow the other driver to photograph the license as a convenient
way to exchange information.
So what’s the risk? In the hands of criminals, your driver’s license number can be as
valuable as cash. Many retailers accept driver’s license information to verify identity over
the phone. In fact, your license number is the most common way to confirm your identity
after Social Security number and date of birth.
 Twenty-five percent of consumers surveyed said they would share their home address.
Actually, your home address gives identity thieves the physical location of your mail or
garbage, the first place criminals often look for personal financial information. And, now a
stranger knows where you live, possibly putting your personal safety at risk.
 Twenty-nine percent of survey respondents believed they are required to share personal phone
numbers. In fact, sharing your phone number is rarely necessary.

2. Identity theft is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the United States. The Federal Trade
Commissionestimates nearly nine million consumers have their identities stolen each year,
disrupting finances and damaging credit histories and reputation. Knowing what to share helps keep
property and identities safe.
The survey also found consumers were unsure about other auto accident best practices. For
example, nearly 20 percent of respondents believe the only reason to call police after an accident is
if someone is injured. However, filing a police report can help facilitate the insurance claims process.
WreckCheck App for Smartphones
To take some of the guesswork out of a tense situation, NAIC developed WreckCheck™. This free
mobile app for iPhone® and Android® smartphones outlines what to do immediately following an
accident and walks users through a step-by-step process to create their own accident report. The
app directs them to capture photos and helps document and share only what is necessary to file an
insurance claim. Users can even email their completed reports to themselves and their insurance
agents.
No smartphone? Download a printable accident checklist and other tips for staying calm, safe and
smart on the road.