Quick Summary:
- Move to a safe spot, check injuries, and call 911 if needed.
- Exchange full details, capture plates, and note exact crash location.
- Photograph vehicle damage, road context, and any relevant street signage.
- Notify your car hire provider promptly, and keep all incident records.
A minor bump in New York can feel like a small issue until it becomes a paperwork problem. With car hire, you are responsible for documenting the incident properly, following local requirements, and reporting it in line with your rental agreement. The goal is simple: protect everyone’s safety first, then protect yourself from later disputes about damage, fault, or costs.
This guide gives a step by step checklist you can follow on the street, whether the incident happens in Manhattan traffic, a Brooklyn side street, or in a parking garage. It focuses on what to do, what to photograph, when police are required, and how to report correctly to reduce later claims.
Step 1: Make the scene safe before anything else
Start with safety. If anyone is injured, if there is a risk of fire, or if vehicles are blocking traffic in a dangerous way, call 911 immediately. Even a low speed collision can cause injuries that are not obvious at the scene.
If it is safe to do so, move vehicles out of traffic. In New York, clearing a minor crash from travel lanes helps prevent secondary collisions and reduces congestion. Put hazard lights on and, if you have them, place warning triangles as appropriate.
Do a quick scan for hazards: leaking fluids, broken glass, cyclists passing close by, and aggressive drivers. In busy parts of the city, stay on the pavement where possible and do not stand between vehicles.
Step 2: Decide whether you need police in New York
For minor crashes, people often wonder if police must attend. In New York, police involvement can depend on injuries, the severity of damage, and whether a crime may have occurred.
Call 911 right away if any of these apply:
Injuries or suspected injuries, even if someone says they are “fine” but looks unwell.
A driver is impaired, aggressive, or refuses to exchange details.
A hit and run, or you cannot safely identify the other vehicle.
Significant damage, vehicles cannot be moved, or there is debris creating a hazard.
Involvement of a pedestrian or cyclist, or damage to public property.
If it truly is a minor property damage collision and both parties are cooperative, police may not come to the scene. That does not mean you do nothing. You still document thoroughly and report through the right channels, including your car hire provider.
New York also has a crash reporting process for certain incidents, and your rental agreement may require reporting even when police do not attend. When in doubt, log the event as if it will be reviewed later.
Step 3: Exchange details properly, not just a phone number
Do not rely on a quick photo of someone’s insurance card alone. Capture information in a structured way. If you are flustered, use your phone notes app and read the list out loud.
Collect from the other driver:
Full name and a contact number.
Driving licence details if they will share them, at minimum licence number and state.
Insurance company, policy number, and the phone number on the card.
Vehicle details, including make, model, colour, and plate number.
Owner details if the driver is not the owner.
Provide the same to them, using your rental agreement details for the vehicle information. With car hire, you are not the owner, so keep the rental agreement accessible. If you are picking up or dropping off around Newark, it helps to keep your documents handy, such as when using car rental Newark EWR services.
Also collect witness details if anyone offers help. A name and phone number can matter if fault is later disputed.
Step 4: Photograph and record evidence like an investigator
Your photos are often the difference between a smooth resolution and a drawn out dispute. Take more than you think you need, and do it before vehicles are moved if it is safe and legal to do so. If vehicles must be moved for safety, photograph quickly first, then continue once in a safe spot.
Use this photo checklist:
Wide shots showing both vehicles, their positions, and the street layout.
Close ups of damage on both vehicles, from several angles.
Number plates clearly readable for every involved vehicle.
Road context, including lane markings, kerb, junction, and parking signs.
Traffic controls, such as traffic lights, stop signs, and one way signs.
Weather and lighting, including wet pavement, glare, or darkness.
Any debris, broken parts, or paint transfer on the road.
Dashboard warnings if any lights appear after impact.
Then record a short note for yourself while it is fresh:
Time and date, exact location (cross streets help), direction of travel, approximate speed, and what happened in one or two sentences. Avoid assigning blame in your notes. Stick to observable facts.
Step 5: Be careful with what you say at the scene
In New York traffic, people may be upset, and there may be pressure to apologise or accept fault just to calm things down. Keep it polite and factual. Do not argue. Do not accuse. Do not sign anything other than a standard police information exchange if an officer requests it.
It is fine to check on the other driver and passengers and to say you will document and report. It is not wise to make statements like “It was definitely my fault” or “You came out of nowhere” while emotions are high and you may not have full information.
Step 6: Report correctly for car hire, and do it promptly
Car hire agreements usually require you to report any incident, even if there is no obvious damage or you plan to handle it privately. New York has plenty of minor scrapes that show up later in different lighting, especially on bumpers and wheels.
As soon as you are safe, contact your rental provider using the contact details in your agreement. Provide:
The rental agreement number, vehicle details, location, time, and a short factual description. Share photos if requested, and keep originals stored.
If your rental was arranged around the EWR area, you might be using services such as car rental airport New Jersey EWR or car rental New Jersey EWR. Regardless of pickup point, the principle is the same: report promptly, follow instructions, and keep records of who you spoke to and when.
Do not delay reporting because you think it is “too small”. Late reporting can create complications if another party makes a claim days later.
Step 7: Know what to do if the other driver refuses to cooperate
If the other driver will not share details, tries to leave, or becomes threatening, prioritise safety and call 911. If they drive away, note the plate number, vehicle description, location, and direction of travel. If you can safely do so, photograph the vehicle and the driver. Do not chase them.
Also look for nearby cameras. In New York, many buildings have cameras facing the street. Make a note of the nearest storefronts or building entrances so you can tell police or your insurer where footage may exist.
Step 8: Parking garage and kerbside incidents need the same discipline
Many minor car hire incidents happen at low speed in garages or during parallel parking. Still document thoroughly. Garages can have poor lighting, so use flash if needed and take extra wide shots to show the space, pillars, and any posted rules.
If you return to your parked vehicle and see damage, treat it as a potential hit and run. Photograph the damage, the surrounding area, any paint marks, and the bay number or signage. Report it to the garage attendant if there is one, and notify your car hire provider with the time window when the vehicle was parked.
Step 9: Protect yourself from later claims and added damage disputes
Later claims often hinge on two questions: was the damage pre existing, and does the story match the physical evidence? Your documentation helps on both fronts.
To protect yourself:
Keep a single incident folder on your phone with all photos, notes, and screenshots.
Save call logs showing you contacted the rental provider promptly.
Write down names of any officers, badge numbers if provided, and incident numbers.
Do not repair anything yourself or authorise repairs unless instructed.
If you used a specific brand through Hola Car Rentals, your reporting steps may still be the same, but having your rental paperwork organised helps, whether it is Thrifty car rental New Jersey EWR or Alamo car rental Newark EWR.
Step 10: A practical on street checklist you can follow
Use this order to stay calm:
1) Safety: hazards on, move to safe area, check everyone.
2) Emergency decision: call 911 for injuries, danger, refusal, hit and run.
3) Evidence first: quick wide photos, then move vehicles if needed.
4) Exchange details: licence, insurance, plates, contact information.
5) More photos: damage close ups, signage, road markings, weather.
6) Notes: time, exact location, what happened in factual language.
7) Report: notify your car hire provider, follow their instructions.
8) Store everything: keep originals, do not edit photos, back up if possible.
FAQ
Do I always need police for a minor crash in New York? Not always. Call 911 for injuries, unsafe situations, hit and run, or non cooperative drivers. For minor property damage with cooperation, police may not attend, but you should still document and report to your car hire provider.
What are the most important photos to take after a small collision? Take wide shots showing both vehicles and positions, close ups of damage, number plates, street signs, lane markings, and traffic controls. Add photos of lighting and weather conditions.
Should I admit fault at the scene? Avoid admitting fault or arguing. Share factual information, exchange details, and document the scene. Fault is often determined later using evidence and statements.
What if the other driver drives away before exchanging details? Call 911, note the plate number, vehicle description, location, and direction of travel. Photograph what you can safely, and tell your car hire provider as soon as possible.
If there is no visible damage, do I still need to report it? Usually yes for car hire. Minor impacts can cause hidden damage or later claims. Reporting promptly with notes and photos helps protect you if a claim arises later.
