Filing a car accident insurance claim is a very easy affair, but processing it correctly becomes difficult because of the thrill caused due to the accident. If all information is furnished in the right manner then the claim shouldn?t take more than a week to get processed, even if getting the check for the damage and expenses may take almost a month to reach by mail.
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.
You must quickly take a few pictures of the accident spot before anything else. If the accident took place in a busy area then they would want to get the vehicles moved out at the soonest, so you must click pictures before the mess is completely cleared up. You must click pictures that of the show the damage caused 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.
After you have called your claims representative, taken pictures, and exchanged information with the driver you are allowed to leave the place. If you knock own someone?s car and drive away without exchanging any information it is called hit and run. You may receive a check through your mail for expenses incurred due to the damages, however this may take time. Most probably you will have to pay out of your own pocket for all the costs of fixing your car.
There are many other things you can ask your agent that may help you understand the claims process better. You may want to ask them about your coverage, since different plans cover different kinds of accidents. You may also want to know when the rest of your paperwork is due by, although it is usually required within a week. For larger accidents and more complicated cases you may want to consider getting an attorney to cover your case.
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.
You must quickly take a few pictures of the accident spot before anything else. If the accident took place in a busy area then they would want to get the vehicles moved out at the soonest, so you must click pictures before the mess is completely cleared up. You must click pictures that of the show the damage caused 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.
After you have called your claims representative, taken pictures, and exchanged information with the driver you are allowed to leave the place. If you knock own someone?s car and drive away without exchanging any information it is called hit and run. You may receive a check through your mail for expenses incurred due to the damages, however this may take time. Most probably you will have to pay out of your own pocket for all the costs of fixing your car.
There are many other things you can ask your agent that may help you understand the claims process better. You may want to ask them about your coverage, since different plans cover different kinds of accidents. You may also want to know when the rest of your paperwork is due by, although it is usually required within a week. For larger accidents and more complicated cases you may want to consider getting an attorney to cover your case.
About the Author:
Graham McKenzie is the content syndication coordinator for Carinsurancesa.co.za. South Arica?s leading car insurance portal.
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