Steps To Process A Car Accident Insurance Claim
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.
Once you are in an accident you should first check to make sure that everyone is all right. If it was a severe accident someone may have to call 911 to get help. It is also important to remember that you should not admit fault at any time after an accident. If it turns out that the accident wasn?t your fault you may still end up paying as a result. Try to get everyone calmed down and relaxed before approaching the other driver or drivers.
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.
One of the foremost things to do is to take some pictures of the accident spot and surrounding areas. If the accident happens in a busy area then they may want to quickly clean up the mess and get the cars removed immediately. Therefore you must quickly click some pictures before anything is removed from the spot. You must click pictures of the damaged cars as well as the surrounding areas.
You must also call your claims representative at this time. If both the parties have a little time to spare then the claims representative can come at the spot and inspect. They assist in the claims process by taking pictures, questioning the witnesses, and preparing the report accordingly. The agents also assist you by filling up the form either with you in person or over the phone. The agents may want to know the accurate time and location of the accident. You may also get a copy of the police report and send it to the insurance company.
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.
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
