|
Understanding All Auto Insurance ClaimsBy Sher Matsen
If you are involved in an accident it is important that you know the proper procedure for filing an insurance claim. You will most likely need to deal with one or more adjusters who will determine the insurance salvage. Follow these simple tips to make sure you have taken all the necessary steps to collect the correct information and follow the correct procedure.
Do your self a favor and prepare in advance. Know the laws and the reporting requirements of the state you live in and drive in. Always carry an accident package in your car. It should contain paper, pen, and accident reporting form which are available online free from the DMV.
If an accident occurs remain calm and stop your car. If there are injuries do what you can to make the person or persons comfortable. Call the EMT to treat any injured parties and call the police.
If you smell gas or if the car is on fire clear all persons away from the area. Do not move seriously injured people unless it is a threat to their lives to leave them where they are.
If the accident is minor and there is only property damage and no injuries, put your hazard lights on and drive both vehicles to a safe location at the side of the road. Set up flare or reflective triangles in the rear and side of the cars to ensure other motorists are aware of your location.
Both drivers need exchange car insurance information. You also need to exchange the names of the drivers, all passengers in the vehicle, and any witnesses. As well as names you should obtain complete addresses and telephone numbers.
Next you will need to contact your insurance company and if you feel you need to contact a lawyer now is the time to do so.
Your car insurance company will need to collect all pertinent information. They will need the year, make, model, and license plate number of the other car. They will also need the drivers name, address, telephone number, date of birth, and his or her driver�s license number as well as the issuing state.
If the other drive is not insured obtain as much information as you can then notify the police. Both the police and the insurance company will want the full names, addresses, and phone numbers of all witnesses.
If the police attend the accident scene request a business card from the attending officer that gives his full name and how you might reach him.
If you have a digital camera handy take plenty of photos. These days many people have a digital camera built right into their cell phone which is very convenient.
As soon as you are able, write down all details pertaining to the accident. Information such as weather conditions, pavement conditions, visibility and lightening could all become very important in determining who was at fault.
You also need to record the estimated speed of both vehicles. As well do a sketch of the accident scene marking the direction each driver was traveling. Make notes of things such as stop signs, traffic lights, other vehicles on the roadway, and any obstacles.
You should also record all damage to the car and any other property as well as all body injuries no matter how minor they appear.
Whatever you do, do not discuss who is at fault with the other driver. Insurance companies recommend you do not engage in conversation about fault. Give the police officer an account of the accident but in privacy away from the other driver.
Remember no one can force you to give details of the accident or admit blame. You always have the right to consult a lawyer before answering any questions.
Let�s hope you never have to file an insurance claim. But if you are well prepared should an accident occur you will be much more likely to record the necessary information to ensure that your claim proceeds smoothly.
|
3 cities where car insurance tops $1,000 a year
The most ? and least ? expensive cities for car insurance.
Metro Denver has sixth-least expensive car insurance in the nation
The Denver metropolitan area has the sixth cheapest car insurance in the nation, according to a report released Thursday by insuranceQuotes.
Chicago among least expensive cities for car insurance, study says
Chicago is among the least expensive cities for car insurance according to a new study released Thursday.
Aftermarket Repair Parts and Different Types of Car Insurance
You may have to pay the difference or add a policy endorsement specifying original components if you prefer parts from the original manufacturer.
Car Insurance Mistakes to Avoid
No one?s a pro in making decisions the first time especially when money is involved. Choosing car insurance could be tricky as the providers? rates change every now and then because of several factors. Here are common mistakes when choosing car insurance: #1 Choosing Price over Coverage The cheapest is not always the best. Even [?] The post Car Insurance Mistakes to Avoid appeared first on ...
Is Loan Protection Insurance Right For You?
This coverage can keep you from defaulting on your loans when you're in financial trouble.
When you lend your car, think about the insurance
Do you lend your car to friends, family, or even strangers who hook up with you through a car-sharing smart phone app? If you do, remember that you're also often lending those other drivers your ...
Can I Buy Insurance After Being Injured In An Accident?
The health law's ban on pre-existing conditions doesn't mean you can buy a plan after you get sick. Most people have to wait for the open enrollment period.
5 Things a Car Accident Lawyer Can Do (That You Probably Can't)
After a car accident, you may not think that you need an attorney. After all, car accidents happen all the time, and your insurance company's going to handle everything anyway, right?
For Drivers in Belgium, God Is Their Insurance Agent
SCHERPENHEUVEL, Belgium?Belgium's roads are among the riskiest in Europe so thousands of drivers come here to take out an Almighty insurance policy. For Mariano Duye, the trip is a family tradition. His mother used to take him to Scherpenheuvel to have the family car blessed. He lives in Leuven, a half-hour drive from Scherpenheuvel, and has brought each of the five cars he has owned to the ...
|
|
Best Sellers from
|