
Step-by-Step Guide: Car Accidents and Insurance Claims
Car accidents can be stressful and overwhelming, even if you try your hardest to avoid them. Knowing how to handle the aftermath of an accident can help you stay calm and avoid delays with your insurance claim. We’ve compiled a step-by-step guide to help you be well-prepared for an accident and the subsequent insurance claim.
What to Do After a Car Accident to Speed Up Your Insurance Claim?
1. Prioritize Safety: Secure the Scene and Check for Injuries
Your immediate priority after an accident should be safety. Take these steps to secure the scene:
- Check Yourself and Passengers for Injuries: Before moving or exiting the vehicle, assess yourself and any passengers for injuries. Call 911 immediately if anyone needs medical attention.
- Move to a Safe Location: If the vehicles can be safely moved, relocate to the side of the road to avoid obstructing traffic. However, if the cars are too damaged or unsafe, leave them and turn on hazard lights to alert other drivers.
- Exit the vehicle Cautiously: Do so carefully if you need to exit the car. Check for oncoming traffic and avoid standing too close to the roadway. Stand behind a barrier or some other safe area until emergency responders arrive.
2. Contact the Police: File an Accident Report
Involving law enforcement is crucial, as their official report provides an objective account of the accident, which can be instrumental in validating your claim.
- Call 911 or the Local Non-Emergency Number: For significant accidents with injury, call 911. In cases with minor damage, you can use a local non-emergency number. However, even for minor incidents, having a police report can speed up your claim and clarify liability.
- Gather Police Information: Once the officer has taken down the details, ask for the report number, their name, badge number, and contact details. Note when the report should be available and how to obtain a copy, as it’s essential for your claim. The police report may assign fault for the accident, and if the report shows that you were not at fault, this will factor into your insurance claim. For more information, check out our blog, What You Need to Know About No-fault Car Insurance.
3. Document Everything: Collect Information from the Scene
The documentation you gather at the accident scene can support your claim. Taking the time to record every relevant detail will protect you and expedite the claims process.
- Exchange Driver Information: Exchange names, contact numbers, and insurance policy details with all drivers involved. Take down the vehicle’s make, model, license plate number, and driver’s license details.
- Take Photos from Multiple Angles: Document all aspects of the accident by taking pictures of the damage to all vehicles, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible skid marks or debris. Photos provide visual evidence of the incident and can make clarifying the sequence of events easier.
- Speak with Witnesses: If any bystanders saw the accident, ask if they would be willing to provide a statement. Record their contact information, as a witness account can strengthen your case and help resolve liability disputes.
4. Notify Your Insurance Provider Promptly
To avoid delays, you must notify your insurance provider right after the accident and start the claims process as soon as possible.
- Contact Your Insurer: Many insurance companies provide 24/7 claims assistance, either online or through their apps. Call your insurer and provide initial details, such as the accident’s date, time, location, and the parties involved.
- Describe Events Accurately: Provide a clear, accurate description without guessing or speculating. Let your insurer know if you need clarification on details, as conflicting information can delay or complicate your claim.
- Ask About Next Steps: Some insurers require specific forms or documents to proceed with a claim. Ask your insurance representative for a checklist of any further information needed, such as the police report, repair estimates, or medical documentation.
5. Keep Track of All Documentation and Records
Staying organized with accident-related documents and communications will make it easier to access important information when your claim is being processed.
- Create a Dedicated Claims Folder: This folder should contain the police report, contact details of those involved, medical bills (if any), repair estimates, and all correspondence with your insurer. Having everything in one place makes it easy to provide information as requested.
- Collect Repair Estimates: Obtain repair estimates from reputable, licensed repair shops, as most insurers require detailed estimates to assess repair costs. Check with your insurer if they have preferred repair facilities or any specific requirements to avoid reimbursement issues.
- Save Receipts and Records: If the accident results in out-of-pocket expenses, such as towing or temporary car rental, save all receipts. Depending on your coverage, these costs might be reimbursable, but only with documented proof.
6. Communicate Regularly with Your Insurance Adjuster
Once you’ve filed a claim, regular communication with your adjuster helps keep the process moving and prevents unnecessary delays.
- Follow-Up on Claim Status: While claims can take time, following up regularly (weekly or bi-weekly) lets you stay informed and allows you to address any missing details or questions.
- Respond Quickly to Information Requests: If your adjuster asks for additional details or documents, provide them as soon as possible. Quick responses help prevent your claim from stalling and show your commitment to a timely resolution.
7. Know Your Coverage and Rights as a Policyholder
Awareness of your policy’s coverage and understanding your rights helps ensure you receive the benefits you’re entitled to.
- Review Your Policy: Check your policy details to understand what’s covered under collision, comprehensive, or uninsured motorist protection. Understanding these terms helps you know what to expect regarding repairs, medical expenses, and out-of-pocket costs.
- Ask Questions When Needed: Insurance policies can be complex. Feel free to ask your insurance representative to clarify specific coverage aspects, deductible amounts, or repair timelines.
When faced with a car accident, staying calm and following these steps will make the event’s aftermath less stressful and keep your insurance claim on track. Acting promptly and staying organized is crucial to avoiding unnecessary delays so you can resolve your claim efficiently. Our Bauld Insurance advisors are here to support you with guidance and direction when you need it most. Contact us today, and let us help you confidently navigate the road with peace of mind.