Accident insurance claims are actually very easy to file, but the excitement over the accident may make it more difficult to achieve correctly. If you file everything the right way your claim should be done within a week, although it may be a month before you get a check for any damage or medical bills.
When you have an accident, the first thing that you must do is ensure if everyone is fine. If the accident is of a serious nature, you must immediately ask someone to make a call at 911 for help. Another things to keep in mind is that, never accept your fault in front of the other driver. This is so because if later it is found that the mistake was not yours, still you may have to bear the consequences. Try to calm the situation and then have a talk with the other driver or drivers to exchange information.
You must approach the other party only to exchange contact details and information. You must get details like their names, address, and phone number. If you find that the other driver is upset then let the police officer arrive and take this information on your behalf. The police officer will draft a report with whatever information he can gather by talking to both parties and inspecting the accident area.
Before anything else is done you should take a few quick pictures. Of course, if you are in a busy area they will want to get the cars out of the way as soon as possible, but you need to get pictures before anything is moved. Get pictures of the damage to both cars and the surrounding area.
Remember to call your claims representative as soon as you can. If both parties agree to wait a little, then may be the representative can arrive at the spot. They assist in taking pictures, talk to the witnesses, and get all the information required. The agents will also assist you in filling out the claim form, either in person or over phone. The agents want to know the exact time and place of the accident. It is recommended that you get a police report copy and send it to the insurers if required.
Generally, you are free to leave the scene after you have called your claims representative, taken pictures, and exchanged information with the other car driver or drivers. Even if it is a light accident, you must not and leave the spot without exchanging any information otherwise it would be called a hit and run. The insurance check should come by mail, but this can take weeks or may be a month. You will most likely have to bear all the initial costs from your own pocket.
You can ask the representative if you have any questions, to understand the claims process in a better way. You may have questions regarding your coverage, because dissimilar plans provide coverage for different types of accidents. You may also ask how long it would take to get all the paper work and formalities completed, though it is mostly done within a week. In cases of serious and complex accidents you may get your lawyer oversee your paper work and other legal matters.
Graham McKenzie is the content syndication coordinator for Carinsurancesa.co.za. South Arica?s leading car insurance portal.
Tags: auto insurance, automotive, car insurance, insurance cars, personal finance, vehicle insurance, Vehicles