What to Do After a Car Accident in Charlotte, NC | Collision Help & FAQS

Mechanic working on a collision damaged car in our collision center, Starnes Collision Center

  • 1. Ensure Safety First
    Move your vehicle to a safe spot, if possible. Turn on hazard lights and check for injuries. Call 911 immediately if anyone is hurt.

    2. Call the Police
    Always report an accident in North Carolina, especially if there are injuries or property damage. Request a police report for insurance and legal use.

    3. Exchange Information
    Swap names, contact details, insurance info, and vehicle registration with the other party.

    4. Document the Scene
    Take clear photos of all vehicles, damage, road conditions, and license plates.

    5. Notify Your Insurance Company
    File a report as soon as possible. Provide them with the accident details and photos.

    6. Seek Medical Attention
    Even if you feel fine, some injuries (like whiplash) can show up later. Visit a doctor to be safe.

    7. Contact a Trusted Collision Repair Shop in Charlotte
    Choose a certified local repair shop that works with your insurance and offers a lifetime warranty such as ourselves - Starnes Collision Center (est.1964)

    8. Keep Records
    Save all documents related to the accident—police reports, repair estimates, medical bills, and insurance communication. These may be essential for any claims or legal needs.

    9. Know Your Rights
    You have the right to choose your own repair shop and to understand all insurance paperwork before signing anything. Don’t feel pressured into quick settlements.

    10. Follow Up
    Stay in contact with your insurance and repair shop for updates. Keep an eye on your health, as some symptoms can develop days later.

  • First, make sure everyone is safe. Move your vehicle to a secure location if possible. Call the police if needed, take photos of the damage, exchange insurance details, and contact Starnes Collision Center right away for a free collision repair estimate.

  • No. You have the legal right to choose your auto body shop. At Starnes Collision Center in Charlotte NC, we handle the entire process—our team works directly with your insurance company to speed up repairs.

  • In most cases, one detailed estimate from a trusted shop is enough. We provide accurate, written estimates that meet insurance requirements—saving you time and avoiding lowball quotes.

  • We perform a thorough inspection, explain the repair plan, handle insurance communication, and if your policy allows, arrange a rental car. Our goal is to make the process stress-free from start to finish.

  • Repair time depends on the damage. Small dents or scratches can be fixed in days, while frame repair or structural work may take weeks. We give you a realistic timeline upfront and keep you updated.

  • Yes. If your insurance policy covers a rental, we coordinate it for you. Our Charlotte NC location works with major rental providers so you can stay on the road during repairs.

  • We use OEM parts, follow manufacturer repair guidelines, and back our work with a lifetime warranty. Our certified technicians deliver top-quality auto body and collision repairs with honesty and precision.ription

  • Our lifetime warranty covers all repairs we perform for as long as you own your vehicle.

5 star rating

Totally dependable & trustworthy
Starnes has been helping my family since the first two of my three kids got their driver’s licenses more than 2 decades ago. They are very capable, professional, competitive and genuinely nice folks.

– Ron T

Why Choose Us

✔ EXPERT TECHNICIANS
Skilled professionals with a passion for performance.


✔ QUALITY PARTS
We utilize premium OEM parts that come with a warranty for added assurance.


✔ GUARANTEED RESULTS
Starnes Collision Center is your trusted local auto repair choice. With over 55 years of experience. Trust us to improve your driving experience and support our community.

So Happy with the Results!
Prompt and friendly service, well explained and delivered on time. The car looks years younger, and they went above and beyond to make sure the small things were fixed. Well done!

– Phil S

Great Service, Honest Advice
Excellent work on the repair and Huge work with getting everything settled-out with the Insurance Company.. Both are not easy Jobs, that were done well.

– Glenn C

Had a Collision?

Contact us today for support, expert repairs and guaranteed results. We are here to help you get back on the road safely and efficiently.