How to Avoid Accidental Identity Theft after an Auto Accident.

You have just been in an auto accident.

It can be a difficult and confusing time: objects flash by, car horns blast, brakes screech, and the violent crunching metal and breaking glass as vehicles collide. Then, dealing with the emotionally charged and even awkward aftermath. Each party to the accident orients themselves, determining whether they are injured; then they open their car doors and step outside to assess the damage. This is precisely the time when drivers involved in an accident share information. While it's very important to trade information, it is just as important to be careful not to share too much.

For years, it was common to share information with a pencil and paper. Each party wrote down items such as name, phone numbers, driver license numbers and insurance information and then exchanged notes. However, in today's world of mobile phones, the trend is to photograph the paperwork and cards instead of writing or typing it out. Instead of limiting our information to just the names, license numbers and insurance companies, drivers now trade more details than is necessary. Sensitive and even private information that can put you or your family at risk is now being readily shared through a mobile device, such as your driver's license, registration, and insurance cards. These documents are meant for you, and only you. It only takes a single photograph for someone to steal your identity.

Here is a list of the safe information you can share or trade with other drivers during an auto accident:

• Personal Information:
  • Your name
  • Phone number
  • Driver's license number
• Vehicle Information:
  • The year, color, make, and model of your vehicle
  • VIN number
  • License plate number
• Insurance Information:
  • Company Phone Number
  • Policy Number
• If you do not have insurance, you can share your Name, Address, and Phone Number.

Never allow the other party to photograph any of your documents, including registration, drivers' licenses, and insurance cards. Your duty after an accident is to provide only enough information in order to handle your legal and financial responsibility to persons you injure or property that you damage. DO NOT give away information that may allow others to create or forge documents in your name, or access to information that assists in the creation of accounts or loans in your name. Securing personal information for fraudulent use is so widespread that some criminals organize themselves into rings that specialize in staging traffic accidents in order to illegally collect details from said "accidents."

While various states require the sharing of information, it tends to be minimal. California's law states that every driver involved in an accident shall provide the following:

• (1) Driver's name and current residence address, driver's license number, vehicle identification number, and current residence address of registered owner.
• (2) Evidence of financial responsibility. If the financial responsibility of a person is a form of insurance, then that person shall supply the name and address of the insurance company and the number of the insurance policy.

Therefore, if another party attempts to secure more information than you are comfortable sharing, get the police involved to make sure such requests are legitimate. It is always a good idea for both your protection and your insurance companies benefit to have a police officer file an official accident report on scene.