Filing a claim for accident insurance is very easy, but the anticipation regarding the accident make the process seems very tough to get completed. If you file your claim correctly, in the right way then it should be processed in less than a week?s time, though it may take almost a month before you receive your check for any medical expense or damage.
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.
Really the only contact you must have with the other driver is to get their information. You need to get their name, number, address, and insurance information. If the other driver appears to be upset you can have a police officer do this for you. The police officer will start writing up a report about all the information they can gather.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Really the only contact you must have with the other driver is to get their information. You need to get their name, number, address, and insurance information. If the other driver appears to be upset you can have a police officer do this for you. The police officer will start writing up a report about all the information they can gather.
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.
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 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.
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.
About the Author:
Graham McKenzie is the content syndication coordinator for Carinsurancesa.co.za. South Arica?s leading car insurance portal.
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