Car Accident Insurance Claim Process Explained
Accident insurance claims are actually very easy to file, but the excitement over the accident may make it more difficult to achieve correctly. If you file everything the right way your claim should be done within a week, although it may be a month before you get a check for any damage or medical bills.
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.
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.
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 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.
