Starting An Auto Insurance Claim
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Being involved in an automobile accident is a frightening thing to happen and remaining calm is difficult. After you have calmed down and discovered that you are ok and not hurt, you will have a few important steps to take in order to file your insurance claim.
It is not lawful to leave the scene of an accident you are involved in, especially if there is injury or damages. It is not the usual thing that happens, but sometimes people do flee the scene of an accident. Once you have calmed down, be sure to notice the other vehicle’s license plate. After assuring yourself that it is safe to do so, make the surrounding area safe and turn off your car’s motor and turn on the hazard warnings to alert the oncoming traffic of the situation.
If there are injuries or the collision is in a dangerous situation, call 911 or whatever the emergency response number is for the location. If someone who is involved in an accident runs away from the scene of it, you also should call the emergency response number. By all means, do not admit to any cause for the accident; remain calm, even if it is obvious who is at fault.
Begin by exchanging driver information; names, addresses, phone numbers–cellular-if it is available, vehicle registration and insurance details. Then, make notes detailing the accident; make a map showing the location of nearby streets by name, the position of the vehicles, show the direction each vehicle was traveling, the point of impact, skid marks, and detail all damages. When you give details of the accident, describe the vehicles involved by stating the color, make and model of each of them.
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. Note the condition of others involved in the accident, whether they are impaired or not or distracted when driving. Someone may have been eating or talking on a cell phone or been distracted by poor weather conditions or bad roads.
When you have reported the accident to the proper authorities, and have been allowed to leave the scene, make a call to your insurance agent and tell them about the accident and any damages incurred. If you are not able to drive your car because of damages to it, your insurance may be able to set you up with a rental.
The insurance company will now want to make an appointment to look over the damaged vehicle and take pictures for their files. The insurance company will assess the damages to your vehicle and then tell you if the vehicle is going to be able to be repaired. If it is repairable, you will then have to make the decision as where to get these repairs done.
When the vehicle has been taken to the auto repair shop, the deductible which is indicated on your insurance policy has to be paid by you and then the remaining balance of the bill will be paid by the auto insurance company. When the repairs have been done and the auto is in your possession before the deductible has been paid, it is possible for your vehicle to be legally impounded and this could cost you more than the deductible.
Visit Peppercoin Insurance to read more great auto insurance articles including ‘How To Determine Your Auto Insurance Needs‘ and more.
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