Emergency response
Put safety first
Call 911 when anyone may be injured, the scene is dangerous, traffic is blocked, a vehicle cannot be moved safely, or emergency assistance is otherwise needed. Follow instructions from emergency responders and law enforcement.
If it is safe and you are instructed to do so, move out of active traffic. Missouri Department of Revenue guidance says drivers should remain at the scene until law enforcement allows them to leave.
This page is educational, not an emergency or claims-intake service. Southern Shield does not offer a public claims form or promise 24-hour agency response. Use 911 for emergencies and the reporting instructions provided by your insurance carrier for a claim.
At the scene
Exchange and document factual information
People and vehicles
Collect names, contact details, driver and vehicle information, and insurance information from the involved parties when it is safe.
Location and conditions
Record the date, time, location, direction of travel, weather, road conditions, and traffic controls.
Photos and observations
When safe, photograph vehicle positions, visible damage, roadway conditions, signs, and relevant surroundings.
Official report
Record the responding agency and report number when available. Follow instructions for obtaining the report later.
Keep notes factual. Do not post private documents or sensitive information through a public website form.
Claim reporting
Use the carrier's verified reporting route
Check the insurance card, policy documents, carrier website, or carrier app for the current claim-reporting method. Follow the carrier's instructions and keep a record of the date, time, claim number, representative, and requested next steps.
Southern Shield can provide general agency guidance during regular business operations, but the carrier handles claim investigation and decisions. Coverage and claim outcomes depend on the issued policy, the facts, exclusions, limits, deductibles, and the carrier's determination.
- What is the carrier's claim number or online reporting route?
- What photos, records, or estimates does the carrier request?
- What should be done before repairs or disposal of damaged property?
- Who is the assigned claim contact, and how should follow-up be documented?
Missouri reporting
Check whether a separate Missouri report is required
Missouri Department of Revenue instructions describe circumstances in which a driver must file an accident report with the state. The current DOR page says the accident must have happened in Missouri within the past year, involved an uninsured motorist, and resulted in property damage over $500 or injury or death.
Use the current DOR instructions and Form 1140 rather than relying on a summary alone. This guide does not determine legal responsibility, fault, coverage, or whether a particular report is required in your situation.
After the first report
Keep an organized claim record
- Save the claim number and carrier contact information.
- Keep copies of messages, photos, reports, receipts, estimates, and repair records.
- Write down dates, names, and next steps from each conversation.
- Ask the carrier before authorizing work when instructions are unclear.
- Review the policy and carrier communications for applicable duties and deadlines.
Official sources
- Missouri Department of Revenue: Accident Information
- Missouri Department of Revenue: Driver Report of Motor Vehicle Accident
- Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance: Automobile Insurance
- Missouri State Highway Patrol: Request an Official Traffic Crash Report
Sources reviewed July 20, 2026. Reporting rules and contact routes can change; use current official and carrier instructions.