We hope it doesn’t but most people sooner or later have to make a claim on their car insurance policy.  Like any insurance claim, it can be daunting, they always seem to have that fine print that we didn’t get around to reading and understanding.

But, now you have been involved in an accident, what do you do?

Assuming you have car insurance cover here are some tips to help you understand what you need to do.

1. You call your insurance agent or the car insurance company that you have your insurance policy with.  It doesn’t matter who is at fault, you need to find out if you are covered for the type of accident.  The accident may seem to be minor, that doesn’t matter either, you must inform the insurance company as to what has happened. Don’t take any notice of the other person saying “No need to claim, we’ll work it out between us”  Nine and a half times out of ten, this person is not insured and the accident is their fault.  As soon as they say that, take down their licence number

2. You will then need to find out how to proceed with your car insurance claim from your insurance company or agent, what documents or forms you will be required to fill in.  The company will send you these car claim forms and often times you will be required to map out how the accident occurred, so make notes for yourself while all is fresh in your mind.  You will also need the details of the other party involved in the accident, name, address, phone number, insurer and vehicle registration.  Your insurance company will also require a police report if there is one, the police attending will give you a copy of this.

3.  Depending you what type of policy and your deductibles, your insurance company may require you to take the vehicle to their nominated repairer or you may be able to get quotes and submit them to the insurance company.  They will then inform you as to which quote they will accept.  Keep good records of everything relating to the accident and fill out the car claim forms your car insurance company sends you and return them promptly.

4.  If you have an insurance agent, then they will help you through all the paperwork.  Make sure you ask them if your car insurance company has time limits on submitting forms and claims and are you covered for things like a rental car while your car is off the road and if so for how long and how much.

5.  If you don’t have an insurance agent and are not sure about the company you are dealing with, check with your state insurance department if you have any questions.  The laws in each state differ for car insurance claims after an accident, so it is best to make sure of where you stand.

The majority of car insurance companies will help you through making your claim, it does help if you have some knowledge of what is ahead of you to make the process easier.  It is traumatic enough having an accident.  Remember never leave anything to the other person to take care of, even if they offer, just thank them, then let them know you will stay in touch until everything is sorted.