Procedure
If you can do so, stop your vehicle in a safe place out the way of other traffic. Put on your hazard lights. Check that both you and others in the vehicle are not seriously injured: ⮟ Photos ⮟ App
? Questions:
No Serious Injuries
If you are not seriously injured then climb out the vehicle. Check on occupants of any other vehicles involved and if necessary, phone emergency services.
Call Police
Report the Accident: Contact law enforcement to report the accident, especially if there are injuries, significant damage, or if required by local laws. Death: In some countries where a death has occurred, you will need to stay at the scene of the accident until the police have take a report. File a Report: Obtain the police report number and ask for a copy of the report or instructions on how to get it.
Documenting
If vehicles are in the path of traffic, place at least one Warning Triangle approaching the accident scene. Depending on the laws of the country you are in, generally if there are any deaths, you will need to remain on the scene and not move any vehicles until the police have arrived and filled out a report. If not, you will need to report the accident to a police station, preferably the same day.
Photos
Take numerous photos of the accident scene from different angles and include all vehicles involved. If no camera, make a sketch. Layout of the road. Position of vehicles. Skid marks. Collision points on vehicles. Damage to vehicles. License plates. License disks of all vehicles involved. See app below.
App
It will be handy to have an accident details recording app installed on your smart phone prior to any accident. Bear in mind that your device may be damaged in the accident, therefore also make sure you have a pen and paper stored in your glove compartment (cubby hole). Take down the following details. Before installing an app, make sure it has provision for the information required in the list below: 3rd party: Personal Info: Identity number. Street Address. Home and Cell numbers. Call the cell number straight away to make sure it is correct. Owner info as above if not that same as the driver. Insurance details. Vehicle info: Make. Model. Color. License plate number. You will need to give the other party your same info. Witnesses: Same info as for the 3rd party personal info. Police Officer: Name. Badge Number. Police Station. Get a copy of the police report. Date. Time. Location. Description of what lead to the cause of the accident. Make sure you describe as clearly as possible. Keep a copy of any cam footage which can be submitted to the insurance company.
Tow Vehicle
If your vehicle needs to be towed, check the points below: Make sure that any towing vehicle is approved by your insurance company. Don't be intimidated into being forced to choose a tow truck driver. Get details and photos of tow truck driver and company.
? What information should I exchange with other drivers following an accident?
Personal Information:
Full Name: Share your legal name. Contact Information: Provide your phone number and address.
Driver’s License Information:
Driver’s License Number: Exchange your driver’s license numbers. State of Issuance: Note the state or country that issued the license.
Vehicle Information:
Make and Model: Provide the make, model, and year of the vehicles involved. License Plate Number: Exchange license plate numbers. Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): While not always required, it can be useful to note the VIN.
Insurance Information:
Insurance Company Name: Share the name of your insurance company. Policy Number: Provide your insurance policy number. Insurance Company Phone Number: Include a contact number for the insurance company.
Accident Details:
Location of the Accident: Record the exact location where the accident occurred. Date and Time: Note the date and time of the accident.
Witness Information:
Witness Names and Contact Information: If there are any witnesses, gather their names and contact details.
Law Enforcement Information:
Police Officer's Name and Badge Number: If the police are involved, get the name and badge number of the responding officer. Police Report Number: Request the report number for future reference.
Description of the Accident:
Overview of Events: Provide a brief, factual description of what happened (without admitting fault). Photos: Take pictures of the scene, including vehicle damage, surrounding area, and any relevant road signs or signals.
Passenger Information:
Passenger Names and Contact Information: If there were passengers in any of the vehicles, collect their names and contact details.
Injury Details:
Note Any Injuries: Document any injuries, even if they seem minor at the time.
Important Tips:
Stay Calm: Keep the exchange polite and professional. Avoid Admitting Fault: Do not admit fault or apologize, as this could be used against you later. Document the Scene: Take as many photos as possible from different angles, showing the positions of the vehicles, road conditions, and any other relevant details.
? How do I file an insurance claim after an accident?
Ensure Safety and Report the Accident
Check for Injuries: Make sure everyone is safe and seek medical attention if necessary. Contact the Police: Report the accident to the police, especially if there are injuries or significant damage. Get a copy of the police report.
Gather Information
Exchange Information: Collect the necessary information from the other driver(s) involved, including names, contact details, driver’s license numbers, insurance details, and vehicle information. Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, including damage to all vehicles, license plates, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Contact Your Insurance Provider: Call your insurance company as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours of the accident. Provide Necessary Details: Be prepared to provide all the information you gathered at the scene, including the police report number, if applicable. Describe the Accident: Give a factual and clear account of what happened without admitting fault.
File the Claim
Follow the Instructions: Your insurance company will guide you through the process, which may include filling out claim forms either online, over the phone, or via email. Provide Documentation: Submit any required documents, such as the police report, photos of the damage, medical bills, and repair estimates.
Work with the Insurance Adjuster
Meet with the Adjuster: Your insurance company may send an adjuster to assess the damage to your vehicle. Provide Additional Information: If requested, provide any additional information or documentation needed for the claim.
Get a Repair Estimate
Visit an Approved Repair Shop: Some insurance companies have a network of approved repair shops. Visit one of these for a repair estimate. Submit the Estimate: Provide the repair estimate to your insurance company.
Review the Settlement Offer
Understand the Offer: Once the insurance company has processed your claim, they will offer a settlement amount based on the damage and your policy coverage. Negotiate if Necessary: If you believe the settlement offer is too low, you may negotiate or provide additional evidence to support your claim.
Get Your Vehicle Repaired
Approve Repairs: Once the settlement is agreed upon, approve the repairs at the shop. Pay the Deductible: You will typically need to pay your insurance deductible before the insurance company covers the rest.
Follow Up
Check Claim Status: Stay in touch with your insurance company to track the progress of your claim. Review Final Paperwork: Ensure all paperwork is complete and accurate, including the final repair invoice.
Keep Records
Save All Documentation: Keep a copy of all documents related to the claim, including the accident report, claim forms, correspondence, and repair receipts, for your records.
Tips:
Report the Accident Promptly: Delaying can complicate the claim process. Understand Your Policy: Familiarize yourself with your insurance policy, including coverage limits, deductibles, and any exclusions. Consider Legal Advice: If there are disputes about fault or the settlement, it may be beneficial to consult an attorney.
? What should I do if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured?
Ensure Safety and Report the Accident
Check for Injuries: Prioritize safety and check for any injuries. Contact the Police: Report the accident to the police. A police report is crucial, especially when dealing with an uninsured or underinsured driver.
Gather Information
Exchange Information: Even if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, collect as much information as possible, including their name, contact details, and vehicle information. Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, damage to all vehicles, and any visible injuries. Note the conditions of the road and any relevant traffic signs.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Contact Your Insurance Provider: Inform your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible, even if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured. Provide Detailed Information: Share all the information you’ve gathered, including the police report, if available.
Review Your Insurance Coverage
Check for Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Many auto insurance policies include Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage. These coverages can help pay for damages if the at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient coverage. Understand Your Policy Limits: Be aware of the limits of your UM/UIM coverage and how it applies to your situation.
File a Claim with Your Insurance
Submit the Claim: If you have UM/UIM coverage, file a claim with your insurance company. Provide all necessary documentation, including the police report and evidence of the other driver’s lack of insurance. Cooperate with the Adjuster: Your insurance company may assign an adjuster to evaluate the damages. Cooperate fully and provide any additional information they request.
Consider Legal Action
Consult an Attorney: If the damages exceed your UM/UIM coverage or if you don’t have this coverage, you may need to consider legal action against the uninsured/underinsured driver. Consulting with an attorney can help you understand your options and the likelihood of recovering damages. Small Claims Court: For minor accidents, you might consider filing a claim in small claims court to recover costs.
Explore Other Compensation Options
Personal Health Insurance: If you sustained injuries, your health insurance may cover medical expenses. Collision Coverage: If you have collision coverage, it can help pay for repairs to your vehicle, regardless of the other driver’s insurance status.
Protect Yourself Going Forward
Review Your Insurance Coverage: After the incident, review your auto insurance policy to ensure you have adequate UM/UIM coverage for the future. Consider Additional Coverage: If you don’t have UM/UIM coverage, consider adding it to your policy to protect yourself against similar situations.
Tips:
Act Quickly: Time is essential in dealing with insurance claims, especially when the other driver is uninsured or underinsured. Keep Detailed Records: Document all interactions with the other driver, police, and insurance company. Keep copies of all related paperwork. Don’t Admit Fault: Avoid making statements that could be interpreted as admitting fault.
? How will an accident affect my insurance rates?
Rate Increases:
At-Fault Accidents: If you are found to be at fault for the accident, your insurance rates are likely to increase. The amount of the increase depends on the severity of the accident, the cost of the claim, and your insurance company's policies. Not-At-Fault Accidents: If you are not at fault, some insurance companies may still increase your rates, although the increase is typically smaller than if you were at fault. However, in some states, insurers are prohibited from raising rates for not-at-fault accidents.
Impact of Claim Type:
Comprehensive Claims: If the accident is due to something like hitting a deer or weather-related damage, it falls under a comprehensive claim, which may result in a smaller rate increase compared to collision claims. Collision Claims: If the accident involved another vehicle or an object (e.g., a fence), it falls under a collision claim, which can lead to a more significant rate increase.
Accident Forgiveness:
Accident Forgiveness Program: Some insurance companies offer accident forgiveness as a policy feature. If you qualify, your first at-fault accident may not result in a rate increase. This program is often available for an additional premium and typically applies only once during a specific period.
Your Driving Record:
History of Accidents: If you have a history of previous accidents or traffic violations, your rates may increase more significantly after an accident. Clean Record: If you have a clean driving record, the impact on your rates might be less severe, or you may be eligible for accident forgiveness.
Severity of the Accident:
Minor Accidents: If the accident resulted in minor damage and a small claim, the rate increase might be minimal. Major Accidents: Serious accidents that result in large claims, injuries, or totaled vehicles are more likely to lead to a significant rate increase.
Insurance Company Policies:
Rate Calculation: Different insurance companies have different methods for calculating rate increases after an accident. Some may weigh the circumstances more heavily, while others may offer more leniency, especially for long-term customers. Surcharges: Some insurers may apply a surcharge to your premium after an accident, which could last for several years, typically three to five years.
Location:
State Regulations: The state you live in can affect how much your rates increase after an accident. Some states have regulations that limit how insurers can raise rates for not-at-fault accidents.
Steps to Mitigate the Impact:
Shop Around: After an accident, it might be worth shopping around for new insurance quotes. Some companies are more forgiving of accidents than others. Improve Your Driving Record: Avoiding further accidents and traffic violations can help improve your driving record and potentially lower your rates over time. Increase Your Deductible: Raising your deductible can lower your premium, though this means you'll pay more out of pocket if you file a claim. Take a Defensive Driving Course: Completing a defensive driving course might help lower your rates or mitigate the increase.
Duration of Rate Increase:
Rate Increase Duration: The rate increase typically lasts for three to five years, depending on the insurance company and the severity of the accident. After this period, your rates may decrease if you maintain a clean driving record.
Impact on Future Insurance:
Difficulty Finding Coverage: If you have multiple accidents, you may be considered a high-risk driver, which can make it more difficult to find affordable insurance coverage in the future.
Important Tips:
Be Proactive: Contact your insurance company to understand how an accident will affect your specific policy. Ask About Discounts: You may still qualify for discounts (e.g., multi-policy, safe driver) even after an accident.
? How do I handle vehicle repairs after an accident?
Assess the Damage:
Check for Safety Issues: Immediately after the accident, assess the condition of your vehicle to ensure it’s safe to drive. If there are major issues like a damaged frame, leaking fluids, or deployed airbags, it may be unsafe to drive. Document the Damage: Take photos and notes of all visible damage to your vehicle. This documentation will be useful when filing an insurance claim.
Contact Your Insurance Company:
Report the Accident: Notify your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide them with the details of the accident, including when and where it occurred, and the extent of the damage. File a Claim: If you plan to use your insurance for repairs, you'll need to file a claim. Your insurance company will guide you through the process, which typically involves filling out a claim form and providing the necessary documentation.
Get a Damage Estimate:
Insurance Adjuster: Your insurance company may send an adjuster to assess the damage and estimate the repair costs. The adjuster’s report will determine how much the insurance company is willing to pay for the repairs. Independent Estimates: You can also get estimates from independent repair shops. It's a good idea to get multiple estimates to compare costs and ensure the adjuster’s estimate is accurate.
Choose a Repair Shop:
Approved Repair Shops: Your insurance company may recommend or require you to use a repair shop from their approved network. These shops often have agreements with insurers to streamline the repair process. Your Choice: You have the right to choose your own repair shop, even if it’s not on the insurance company’s preferred list. However, using a non-preferred shop may require more involvement on your part to ensure the repairs meet the insurance company’s standards. Warranty Considerations: Check if the repair shop offers a warranty on their work. Some shops affiliated with insurance companies may offer longer warranties.
Schedule the Repairs:
Book an Appointment: Once you’ve chosen a repair shop, schedule the repairs as soon as possible. Depending on the severity of the damage and the shop's workload, repairs could take from a few days to several weeks. Rental Car: If your vehicle is not drivable or will be in the shop for an extended period, check if your insurance policy covers the cost of a rental car.
Monitor the Repair Process:
Stay Informed: Keep in touch with the repair shop to get updates on the progress of your vehicle’s repairs. Some shops offer online tracking so you can monitor the status of the repairs. Review the Work: Once repairs are complete, inspect the work done to ensure everything was fixed to your satisfaction. If you notice any issues, bring them to the shop’s attention immediately.
Payment and Deductibles:
Paying the Deductible: If you’re using your insurance, you’ll likely need to pay your deductible before the insurance company covers the remaining costs. The deductible is the amount you agreed to pay out of pocket when you purchased your policy. Direct Billing: In many cases, the repair shop will bill the insurance company directly, and you’ll only need to cover the deductible. Out-of-Pocket Costs: If you choose to handle the repairs without going through insurance, you’ll be responsible for the full cost of repairs.
Post-Repair Steps:
Keep Records: Keep all receipts, repair orders, and other documentation related to the repairs. This information could be useful if you encounter issues later on or if you decide to sell the vehicle. Notify Your Insurance: Once the repairs are completed, inform your insurance company and provide them with any requested documentation. Check for Alignment: After major repairs, it's a good idea to have the vehicle's alignment checked to ensure it drives properly.
Handling Disputes:
Quality Issues: If you’re not satisfied with the repair quality, address the issue with the repair shop immediately. If the shop is part of your insurer’s network, your insurance company may assist in resolving disputes. Insurance Disputes: If you disagree with the insurance adjuster’s estimate or the coverage decision, you can request a review or consider hiring an independent appraiser.
Legal Considerations:
Total Loss: If the repair costs exceed the vehicle’s value, the insurance company may declare it a total loss and offer a payout instead of repairing the car. Lienholders: If you have a car loan, the lienholder may need to be involved in decisions regarding repairs, especially in the case of a total loss.