Filing An Auto Insurance Claim
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It is quite difficult to remain calm when you are involved in an accident, because it is a frightening situation to be in. As soon as you are calmer, and know that you are not injured and will be ok, there are a few important things to do before you can file for insurance compensation.
It is against the law to not stop at the scene of your accident, especially if there is injury and damages. It doesn’t happen all the time, but sometimes people will flee the scene. Once you have calmed down, be sure to notice the other vehicle’s license plate. After you know it is safe to do it, secure the area around the accident by turning off the ignition, and turning on the hazard warnings to alert the oncoming traffic of the situation.
If there are injuries or the collision is in a very precarious situation, call 911 or any other emergency response number that is used in that locality. If someone who is involved in an accident runs away from the scene of it, you also should call the emergency response number. Do not rush to accept fault for the accident; remain calm when it is quite obvious who is at fault in the collision.
First, exchange driver information; names, addresses, phone numbers including cellular, and vehicle registration and insurance details. Next, make some notes about the accident; draw a map of the accident location and name the surrounding streets, the position of the vehicles, show the direction each was traveling, skid marks, points of contact and any damages that may have been incurred. Be sure to tell the color, make, and model of each vehicle involved in the collision when giving details of the accident.
It would also be quite beneficial if you were to have a camera or cell phone that takes pictures.
You must gather information from as many witnesses as possible and also obtain their phone numbers and vehicle registration. Write down the condition of others involved in the accident, whether or not they are impaired or if they might have been distracted when driving. Had anyone been eating or talking on a cell phone while driving or were road conditions or weather conditions contributing to the accident.
If you have reported the accident to the police, and have their permission to leave the scene, call the insurance company you do business with and tell about the accident and your involvement in it and the damages you face because of it. If your vehicle is not drivable, you may have the ability to rent a vehicle through your insurance coverage.
At this point the insurance company will make an appointment to examine the damaged vehicle and photograph it for their records. After the insurance company has made an assessment of the damage on the vehicle they will inform you of whether or not the vehicle can be repaired. When the auto’s condition is repairable, then you will have to decide where the repairs can be taken care of.
Once the vehicle has been delivered to the auto repair shop, you must pay the person doing the repairs, the deductible that is indicated on your insurance policy and the remainder of the bill will be paid by the auto insurance company. If repairs are done and the vehicle is in your possession before the deductable is paid, your vehicle could be legally impounded and this could cost you much more than the deductible.
Visit Peppercoin Insurance to read more great auto insurance articles including ‘Best Auto Insurance For Your Needs‘ and more.