What to Do After an RV Accident: A Step-by-Step Guide

After an RV accident, the first priorities are making sure everyone is safe, calling the police, exchanging information, and documenting the damage. From there, you’ll want to check whether your RV is safe to drive, report the accident to your insurance company, and get it inspected by a shop that’s equipped to repair RVs. An accident in an RV is different from a fender bender in a car, and a few extra steps can save you a lot of trouble later.

Here’s what to do, step by step.

Step 1: Make Sure Everyone Is Safe

Check yourself, your passengers, and anyone in the other vehicle for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 right away.

Turn on your hazard lights. If your RV is blocking traffic and it’s safe to move, pull onto the shoulder. RVs are large and hard for other drivers to get around, so if you carry warning triangles or flares, set them out behind your rig to warn oncoming traffic.

Step 2: Call the Police

Even if the accident seems minor, call the police and file a report. Many states require you to report accidents involving injuries or significant damage, and a police report gives your insurance company an official record of what happened. Write down the responding officer’s name and the report number.

Step 3: Exchange Information

Get the following from every driver involved:

• Name and phone number
• Insurance company and policy number
• Driver’s license number
• License plate number
• Vehicle make, model, and year

Also get names and phone numbers from any witnesses. Keep the conversation to the facts and avoid discussing who was at fault. As GEICO points out, fault is determined by the insurance adjuster after they investigate, not at the scene.

Step 4: Document Everything

Take more photos than you think you need. Capture the damage from several angles, both vehicles, license plates, the road, and any traffic signs or signals nearby.

With an RV, don’t stop at the obvious damage. If it’s safe, photograph the roof line, sidewalls, slide-outs, awning, and anything inside that shifted or broke. Damage to these areas is easy to overlook at the scene and harder to prove later.

Step 5: Check Whether It’s Safe to Drive

An RV can look fine from the outside and still have problems that make it unsafe to drive. Before getting back on the road, check for:

• Leaking fluids under the RV
• The smell of propane (if you smell it, shut off the propane at the tank and don’t drive)
• Damaged tires or wheels
• Lights or turn signals that aren’t working
• Slide-outs or the awning not fully retracting
• Steering that pulls or feels off

If anything seems wrong, don’t risk it. Most RVs need a heavy-duty tow truck, so ask your insurance company or roadside assistance provider to send one that can handle your rig’s size.

Step 6: Call Your Insurance Company

Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as you can, even if you’re not sure you’ll file a claim. Share the police report number, the other driver’s information, and your photos.

RV insurance policies vary a lot, so ask your insurer what’s covered, including towing and any coverage for lodging or travel expenses if you were on a trip when the accident happened.

Step 7: Choose an RV-Qualified Repair Shop

This is where an RV accident really differs from a car accident. Most auto body shops aren’t built to fit an RV in their bays, let alone repair one. RV collision repair often involves fiberglass and gelcoat work, frame straightening on a much larger scale, and the systems built into the coach itself.

Your insurance company may recommend a shop, but you can ask about using the shop you prefer. Look for one that:

• Specializes in RV collision repair, not just general auto body work
• Has the bay space and equipment for large vehicles
• Works directly with insurance companies
• Gives you a clear estimate before work begins

Central Body Company has repaired RVs across the Midwest since 1977. Our collision repair and auto paint services are built around large vehicles, with equipment like a 40-foot frame machine designed for oversized rigs, and we work with insurance companies every day.

Why Hidden Damage Matters

Even a low-speed RV accident can cause damage you can’t see. A bump that leaves a small crack in a fiberglass panel can let water in, and that water can cause rot, mold, and delamination over the following months. An impact can also shift the frame or loosen seams in ways that only show up later.

That’s why it’s worth having your RV professionally inspected after any accident, even one that seems minor. Catching hidden damage early, while your insurance claim is still open, is a lot easier than discovering it months later.

Where to Get RV Collision Repair

Central Body offers RV repair and collision repair at four locations:

• Gretna, NE: Our Gretna RV repair shop serves the Omaha metro and travelers along I-80.
• Council Bluffs, IA: Visit our Council Bluffs location for full-service RV repair.
• Kansas City, MO: Learn more about Kansas City RV repair.
• Wichita, KS: Our Andover shop offers RV repair and storage in Wichita.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I call the police after a minor RV accident?

Yes. A police report creates an official record of the accident, which helps with your insurance claim, and many states require reporting accidents that involve injuries or significant damage.

Can I drive my RV after an accident?

Only if you’re confident it’s safe. Check for leaking fluids, propane smells, tire damage, broken lights, and slide-outs that won’t retract. If anything seems off, have it towed by a heavy-duty tow truck.

Does insurance cover RV collision repair?

If you have collision coverage on your RV policy, it typically covers repairs after an accident, minus your deductible. Coverage varies by policy, so check with your insurer about what’s included.

Do I have to use the repair shop my insurance company recommends?

Your insurer may suggest a shop, but you can ask about using a shop you prefer. With an RV, choosing a shop that specializes in RV collision repair matters, since many general auto body shops aren’t equipped for large vehicles.

How long does RV collision repair take?

It depends on the extent of the damage, how long parts take to arrive, and how quickly insurance approves the repair. RV parts often take longer to source than car parts. After an inspection, we’ll give you a clear timeline for your repair.

Get Your RV Back on the Road

If your RV has been in an accident, the sooner it’s inspected, the sooner you’ll know what you’re dealing with. Schedule a free estimate with Central Body, and our team will walk you through the repair and the insurance process.