How to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft After a Car Accident
Car accidents can certainly be a difficult and stressful situation. You may be stranded on the side of the road, and you are likely scared and worried about damage to your car, or someone else’s. In that fear and stress, you may not be thinking clearly and may further victimize yourself by giving too much information, opening yourself up to identity theft.
How Much Is Too Much?
In the hurry of the information exchange immediately after an accident, you may just give the other driver all the information that you think they need, but the important thing to note is that the amount of information you are required to provide can vary from state to state. Therefore, it’s important to note what information is required where you live.
One thing that is always the same is that another driver will never need your social insurance number in order to make a claim. In fact, having this information can actually make it far easier for someone to steal your identity.
Another important note is to never allow someone else to take a photograph of your license. While that may seem a fast way to get them all the information they would need, having a picture of your license can actually make it far easier for them to create a fake ID using all of your information.
Finally, just as you are giving out your information to the other driver, ensure that you are getting their information as well. Sometimes in our rush to do the right thing, we forget to think of ourselves. Once you are aware of all the information you need to take down, make sure you are also getting that same information from them.
Not Sure? Call the Experts
If you are ever in an accident and are unsure about what information to exchange, or even what might be necessary for a police or an accident report, contact your local police department. They can guide you through what to do, and can even help you with starting to make your claim through insurance. Make sure that you contact the authorities yourselves, instead of waiting for the other person to do it for you.
Additionally, if you have been in an accident and are concerned, either about the information you’ve given or anything else about the process, make sure to contact your local law enforcement.
While being in an accident can be stressful, a little bit of knowledge and research can help you prevent becoming victimized further.
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