A few simple "rules of the road" if you are involved in an accident:

* Don't move the car(s) unless situated in a dangerous place. Police may be powerless to assess fault if the scene has been altered.

* Determine the car's drive-ability. After exchanging insurance information (make sure you get everyone’s information and phone numbers) and completing a police report (if applicable), check to see if: anything is rubbing on the wheels, any fluid is leaking, the steering wheel is considerably off center, or any lights have been broken out. If in doubt, have it towed.

* Direct the vehicle to the body shop of your choice. Don't let anyone "dictate" a body shop to you.

* Notify the insurance agent of the car's location. The insurance company either will send an adjustor to the body shop to appraise the damage, or ask the shop to forward them an estimate. (If the car is drivable, the insurance company may ask you to take it to one of their drive-in claim centers. If you go this route, know that you can take the estimate they prepare directly to the body shop.)

* Do not worry about getting more than one estimate. You don't need it unless you want to discuss your repair with more than one shop. Instruct the insurance company to deal directly with that shop. If there are differences between the estimate and actual repair, the body shop will deal directly with the insurance company for payment. Typically, however, the estimate and final repair bill will differ unless 100% of the damage is visible at the time of the appraisal.

This is where the time you spent checking out body shops earlier can pay off with a quality job that makes the entire experience less stressful. Being prepared before the accident will help save time, money and sanity if you're involved in a car accident down the road.