Filing A Claim For Auto Damages

It is quite difficult to remain calm when you are involved in an accident, because it is a frightening situation to be in. 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 doesn’t happen all the time, but sometimes people will flee the scene. Always take note of the other vehicle’s license plate, once things are calm and settled. 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 very precarious situation, call 911 or any other emergency response number that is used in that locality. When anyone is fleeing the scene of an accident they have been involved in, call the emergency response number. If it is at all possible, do not admit to being at fault for the accident; stay calm, even when it is obvious who is at fault for the accident.

First, exchange driver information; names, addresses, phone numbers including cellular, and 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 write down the details of the accident, put in the make, model, and color of each vehicle involved in the collision.

If you have a cell phone that takes pictures or a camera, you could benefit greatly by this.

Get information from as many witnesses as possible and get their phone numbers and vehicle registration also. Write down the condition of others involved in the accident, whether or not they are impaired or if they might have been distracted when driving. Had anyone been eating or talking on a cell phone while driving or were road conditions or weather conditions contributing to the accident.

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. In the event that your car is not drivable, your insurance coverage may provide a rental car.

Now the insurance company has to choose a time to come and look at the damage on the vehicle and photograph the car for their files. As soon as the insurance company has made their assessment of the damages, they will tell you if the vehicle can be fixed. If the vehicle is repairable, a decision will then have to be made as to where to get the 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 made and the vehicle is in your possession before the deductible has been paid, it is possible for your vehicle to be legally impounded and this could cost more than the deductible.

Visit Peppercoin Insurance to read more great auto insurance articles including ‘Higher Deductable Means Cheaper Insurance‘ and more.