Separate what you know from what is unconfirmed
Create a short coverage-status note using exact facts. For example, record that no card was produced, a card showed a particular date or an insurer gave a stated response. Avoid turning that observation into a conclusion the document does not establish.
- Driver and vehicle-owner names when available
- License plate, vehicle description and registration details exchanged
- Photograph or copy of any insurance card provided
- Policy or claim reference exactly as communicated
- Date, organization and person connected to each coverage statement
Preserve the ordinary crash evidence too
Coverage uncertainty should not crowd out the basic collision record. Save the scene, vehicles, witnesses, treatment, property damage and expenses independently of the insurance question.
- Wide scene and vehicle-position photographs
- Damage to all involved vehicles when safely visible
- Witness contact details and notes
- Medical, repair, tow and transportation records
- Original files backed up with dates and descriptive names
Use the agency report for the crash record
Request the collision report from the investigating agency based on the San Jose street or freeway location and the incident card. Keep that report with the crash file, but do not describe it as a final insurance-coverage determination.
Review the DMV SR-1 criteria separately from the police-report and insurance-claim processes.
- Exact crash location and responding agency
- Incident or report reference and request confirmation
- Driver, owner and vehicle information copied accurately
- Separate DMV filing record if a filing is made
Build a coverage correspondence file
Keep your own policy documents, every claim number and each insurer response in chronological order. Ask questions about the coverage and process that apply to your policy rather than relying on another person's interpretation.
- Current declarations page and applicable policy documents
- Claim acknowledgements from each insurer contacted
- Written statements about confirmed, denied or still-investigated coverage
- Requests for documents and proof of your response
- Damage estimates, bills, mileage and missed-work records