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What you have to reveal at an accident scene |
You've just been involved in a fender bender. Police are on the way. Meanwhile, what information do you have to exchange with the other driver?
That answer varies by state.
In Florida, for instance, state law requires drivers to share name, address, contact details, driver's license number, license plate number and auto insurance information. In New York it's more of the same, plus if the driver's name is different from the name on the insurance card or registration, you're supposed to provide the name of the person who owns the car or who holds the insurance policy.
In California you're supposed to show your driver's license, vehicle registration card, evidence of financial responsibility and current address to the other driver or persons involved.
car accident information exchangeBut state laws can defy common sense. Is it really wise to hand a stranger your driver's license in this age of identity theft?
"First of all, nobody says you even have to get out of your car in the middle of the road with cars buzzing all around you and put your life at risk and potentially be assaulted or carjacked," says Robert Siciliano, an identity theft expert with McAfee.
He says in the commotion of an accident scene, caution is often thrown out the window. People can get into heated arguments over who is at fault, or a rear-end collision could be a scam to steal your personal information.
