Car Accident Insurance Claim Process Explained
Filing a car accident insurance claim is a very easy affair, but processing it correctly becomes difficult because of the thrill caused due to the accident. If all information is furnished in the right manner then the claim shouldn?t take more than a week to get processed, even if getting the check for the damage and expenses may take almost a month to reach by mail.
After an accident, the first thing you must do is ensure that everyone is safe. In case of a grave accident, you must immediately ask someone to cal at 911 for assistance. You must also remember to not rush into admitting your fault. If it gets proved that the accident was not caused due to your mistake, you may still have to have the compensations. Try to get control over the situations, calm people around you and then approach the other driver or drivers
You must not get involved in any other thing except exchanging information with the driver or drivers. Get each other?s names, phone numbers, addresses, and other insurance details. You can wait for the police officer to come and do this for you if the other party seems offended. After the police officer arrives, they will create a report with whatever information available.
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.
Remember to call your claims representative as soon as you can. If both parties agree to wait a little, then may be the representative can arrive at the spot. They assist in taking pictures, talk to the witnesses, and get all the information required. The agents will also assist you in filling out the claim form, either in person or over phone. The agents want to know the exact time and place of the accident. It is recommended that you get a police report copy and send it to the insurers if required.
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.
You can ask the representative if you have any questions, to understand the claims process in a better way. You may have questions regarding your coverage, because dissimilar plans provide coverage for different types of accidents. You may also ask how long it would take to get all the paper work and formalities completed, though it is mostly done within a week. In cases of serious and complex accidents you may get your lawyer oversee your paper work and other legal matters.
Graham McKenzie is the content syndication coordinator for Carinsurancesa.co.za. South Arica?s leading car insurance portal.
