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.
|
A Primer on Student Car Insurance Discounts
A good student discount can help lower your insurance premium and give college kids and teens an incentive to hit the books.
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 ...
On vacation? Turn your car into cash
Car-sharing companies can help you earn some extra dough while you're away, if you don't mind a stranger behind your wheel
Pop Quiz: Terrorists Destroy Your Home. Will the Insurance Company Pay?
Money Talks News finance expert Stacy Johnson took to Times Square to see what people know ? or don?t know ? about their insurance policies. Will your insurance company pay? Not unless your homeowners policy has a rider specifically for your stamp collection. Insurance company Travelers notes that standard homeowner policies may restrict payouts for valuable items.
When to Drop Collision? Insurance.com Data Reveals When Drivers Decide to Risk it All
Insurance.com analysis details the percentage of vehicles, from new to 20 years old, whose owners forgo collision coverage to save money. (PRWeb September 09, 2014) Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2014/09/prweb12149509.htm
Insurance.com, Which Compares Auto Insurance Rates for Drivers Across the U.S., Delivers 11 Millionth Quote
Insurance.com's user friendliness is a key to its success, lets users 'test drive' policies before they buy. (PRWeb August 25, 2014) Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2014/08/prweb12116474.htm
In Belgium, Drivers Seeking Safe Travels Have Their Cars Blessed by a Priest
SCHERPENHEUVEL, Belgium?Belgium's roads are among the riskiest in Europe so thousands of drivers come here to take out an Almighty insurance policy. Every year, more than 5,000 people?most of them Belgian, ...
Global Car Rental Market 2014: Korea, China, US, Brazil and Indonesia Focus and Analysis Report
DALLAS, September 3, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Global Car Rental Market Report: 2014 Edition research, now available with MarketReportsOnline, says the growing tourism industry is set to drive the car rental ...
Where Not to Drive in the US: Car Rental Caveats and Other Travel Tips in Travel Intel
The high cost of car travel may not be in gas alone. Renting a car can mean explosive daily rates in some cities while remaining quite reasonable in others. Oddly, the latest tallies from car rental rate ...
San Diego Cab Drivers Upset About Body Odor 'Smell Test' (Video)
San Diego Cab Drivers Upset About Body Odor 'Smell Test' (Video) San Diego Cab Drivers Upset About Body Odor 'Smell Test' (Video) Legal Lifestyle Local Travel Weird News San Diego Cabs Has Been Optimized San Diego County Regional Airport Authority officials have a checklist that they require of each cab driver. The 52-point checklist includes: proof of car insurance, windshield wipers that work ...
|
