As a certified driver and responsible car owner, we are pretty sure you practice defensive driving for your safety and that of other road users. However, the worst happens, and you find yourself in a crash. That’s why it is imperative to be conversant with the steps to take at the scene for the smooth processing of your insurance claim. Read along to learn what our expert agents recommend.
Notify the Police Via 911
Even though the law gives you 24 hours to report the case to the police, the best practice from an insurance claims perspective is to notify immediately—present precise directions, state of the cars, and the vehicles’ health status.
Get Guidance From Your Insurance Claims Adjuster
In the claims process, there are many dos and don’ts that you need to be aware of. And because they vary significantly, your agent will guide you through depending on your case’s condition.
Collect All Relevant Evidence
· Sharing Contact Information With the Involved Parties
The law expects all victims of the accident to share relevant personal details amongst themselves—because you all need to present the same to your respective insurance companies. Collect details such as phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, insurance covers of cars involved, and their plate numbers.
Seek to establish the relationship between the driver and the car. In case the driver is not the owner, be sure to ask for the details of the owner to facilitate easy follow-up.
· Use Your Camera to Take Photos or Record Videos
The best way to convince your insurance company is through visual evidence. Whether the accident was mild or severe, be sure to snap all damaged parts. Take photos from all angles and ensure they are clear enough. Capture the vehicles’ position after the accident—insurers may need it to determine whose fault it was.
· Write Down Main Incidences as a Back-Up
Avoid falling a victim of omission or presenting details that do not add up. Be keen to listen to what other parties are saying, and note the points down. Some of the things said could serve as evidence that it was the fault of the other parties. And because the insurance companies often ask the insured to present a report of the entire incidence, you will find it easy crafting one from something you have noted down.
· Collect Other General Details
What date and time did the accident happen? What is the weather condition, and how could it have contributed to the accident? Sometimes slippery roads and potholes significantly contribute to accidents. Remember, the more details you have, the better chances you have for compensation.
Minimize Conversations With Other Parties
After surviving an accident, everyone is usually frustrated. So provoking them with unnecessary questions or taking the blame on them could result in havoc and eventually worsen the case. In as much as you need to know whose fault it was, limit the questions only to the details we have discussed previously—but do not admit responsibility.
Assist the Police in Compiling the Statement
When requested to present your experience, do that comprehensively, taking caution not to admit responsibility. Also, if asked about a question you have details about, don’t shy off from saying you have no idea. However, do so courteously.
Let Justin at Terp Family Insurance Help
Are you wondering how it will turn out? We are aware the entire process is way more involved than what we have shared with you. But now that you are here, it doesn’t have to overwhelm you. Justin at Terp Family Insurance in Manitowoc, WI, has demonstrated a history of success in managing car accidents and the associated claims process. Just consult him today and he will take you through the process.
