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 not get involved in any other thing except exchanging information with the driver or drivers. Get each other?s names, phone numbers, addresses, and other insurance details. You can wait for the police officer to come and do this for you if the other party seems offended. After the police officer arrives, they will create a report with whatever information available.
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.
After you call your claims agent, take pictures, and get the other driver's information you will be able to leave the scene. If you hit someone's car and leave without leaving any information it is known as a hit and run. A check should come to you through the mail for the damages, but this can take a long time. You will probably have to pay for repairs out of your pocket before you are reimbursed for them.
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.
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 not get involved in any other thing except exchanging information with the driver or drivers. Get each other?s names, phone numbers, addresses, and other insurance details. You can wait for the police officer to come and do this for you if the other party seems offended. After the police officer arrives, they will create a report with whatever information available.
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.
After you call your claims agent, take pictures, and get the other driver's information you will be able to leave the scene. If you hit someone's car and leave without leaving any information it is known as a hit and run. A check should come to you through the mail for the damages, but this can take a long time. You will probably have to pay for repairs out of your pocket before you are reimbursed for them.
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.
About the Author:
Graham McKenzie is the content syndication coordinator for Carinsurancesa.co.za. South Arica?s leading car insurance portal.