United States · Practical guide
Car accident information exchange checklist in the US
An information exchange record is different from a police report, a state accident filing or an insurance claim. This checklist helps you collect and review the details shared between drivers.
Record known facts and check differences before signing. Immediate danger or injury calls for help before documentation.
1. Record the place and time
Use the actual date, time and location of the accident. Check the country, street and town before continuing: the event location determines the document layout. Only add information about injuries or witnesses that you know.
2. Keep vehicle A and B separate
Agree which vehicle is A and which is B and use that assignment throughout. Record vehicle, driver and policyholder details separately; these may be different people. Check the policy number against the insurance document rather than guessing.
3. Describe the circumstances
Complete the circumstances for each vehicle. Describe what you observed, the movements and directions. Avoid conclusions about fault. Use a sketch to clarify positions, keeping A and B consistent with the rest of the record.
4. Review both sides
The other person can join through an invitation link or QR code. You can also share one phone. Read both sides back and flag mistakes during review. Discuss differences before either person signs.
5. Sign the checked version
Check names, plates, insurance details, location, circumstances and sketch again. Each participant should review their own information. A signature should not be used to skip an unresolved difference about the facts.
6. Keep the PDF
Download the PDF and check that it is readable. Save your own copy and ask your insurer which supporting documents and submission channel they need. The tool does not automatically file a claim or send the record to an insurer.
Information exchange and official reports
State Farm’s accident guide separates exchanging information, documenting the scene and obtaining a police report. Crashform helps with the shared information record. Check your state’s official instructions and your insurer’s process for any reporting or claim steps that apply.
Driver, vehicle and policy details
Check the driver’s name and contact details, license information where relevant, vehicle plate and insurance policy details. The driver and policyholder may be different people. Keep each vehicle consistently assigned to A or B, including the description and sketch.
A Letter-size PDF for your own records
Save your copy and ask your insurer how they want supporting information submitted. This PDF is not a DMV form or a submitted police report. Record observed facts rather than assigning fault, and keep separate evidence safely. The tool does not upload photos or send a claim automatically.
DEMO
Read the example
In the fictional example, two vehicles make contact while parking. Find A and B in the PDF. Compare names, plates, date and location with the description. Then check whether the sketch and selected circumstances tell a consistent story. The DEMO document contains no real signatures and is not intended for submission.
View sample PDF ↗Check before signing
- Registration plate and vehicle details
- Insurance certificate or policy number
- Driving licence and contact details
- Date, time and location of the accident
- Description, sketch and any witnesses
Preparing a document is separate from filing a claim. Crashform does not decide liability or guarantee acceptance by every insurer.
Sources and next steps
Local sources consulted on 8 October 2026. This guide describes our tool; it is not an insurer review or endorsement. Follow current instructions from your insurer and the relevant authorities.