| How Do You Correctly Report a Car Accident for Insurance? |
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| Written by Graham McKenzie |
| Thursday, 06 May 2010 13:32 |
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Every driver at some time or the other gets involved into some type of car accident. It's essential to be let the other vehicle driver know your details so that they can contact you later. If you just drive away from the spot after an accident, although it is small, it is considered as a hit and run case. It might be that you hit a car when there is no one inside, still it is necessary to leave behind your details so they can get in touch with you. On the other hand, if the accident is of a serious nature, then your first priority should be to get someone inform the incident at 911.
Every driver at some time or the other gets involved into some type of car accident. It's essential to be let the other vehicle driver know your details so that they can contact you later. If you just drive away from the spot after an accident, although it is small, it is considered as a hit and run case. It might be that you hit a car when there is no one inside, still it is necessary to leave behind your details so they can get in touch with you. On the other hand, if the accident is of a serious nature, then your first priority should be to get someone inform the incident at 911. The foremost step, which almost everyone forgets in such a case, is to not confess fault. Although the accident was caused due to your mistake, you must not admit it immediately in front of the other person. This is so because even if afterwards it is found that the fault was not yours, still you may be forced to pay the bills as you had earlier admitted it. Do not loose your calm and manage the condition in an organized way so that there is not much fuss created. Exchange insurance information immediately with the driver of the other car, or cars. Make sure names, phone numbers, and addresses are included so you can get a hold of each other. This is why it is so important to bring proof of your insurance with you in your car. If you don?t have it with you, you might just have to give it to them later. If everyone is willing to wait you can call your claims representative to come and access the damage. Sometimes this isn?t possible, but you should call them as soon as you have a chance. Your claims representative will take pictures if you are still around, fill out your claims form, talk to all of the parties involved with the crash, and even talk to some of the people who saw the accident. Take pictures of the damage and surrounding area before any of the cars are moved. With so many people having picture phones now-a-days, this is fairly easy. Take pictures of all the damage to all of the cars, and any other pictures that might help describe the scene. After you have made a call to your claims representative, clicked pictures, and taken each other?s contact information, you may usually leave the spot. In most cases, a police officer arrives by this time to assist in clearing up the mess and getting your vehicles removed from spot by tow trucks. Sometimes when the crash is not so serious, tow trucks may not be required at all. Also it may take weeks or months to get your insurance money, so you may have to bear the initial repair charges yourself. The check you get is settled on by the lowest quote for repair provided to the insurer. You may get the blue book price for your car, if your vehicle is totaled up. The blue book value is actually a set of prices that is determined by taking into account several factors like the age, model, and condition of the car. Any modifications made by you in the car will not be reimbursed for by the insurance companies. DISCLAIMER: This article is provided as information only and is not to be taken as financial advice. Graham McKenzie is the content syndication coordinator for Carinsurancesa.co.za. South Arica?s leading car insurance portal. |