Filing an auto accident claim can seem overwhelming, but knowing what to do in advance can help prevent unnecessary complications.

After an Accident Has Taken Place: The first thing you should do after an auto accident is move your car off road to a safe place (if possible), turn on your caution lights and call the police. Do not talk with the other drivers involved in the accident until the police have arrived. This will prevent confrontations and help you to avoid making any statements that may jeopardize your case later on. While waiting on the police to arrive, you will want to write down the details of the accident: including the time, weather conditions, road names, license plate numbers, and any other details that might be helpful.

After the Police Have Arrived: You will be asked to give a statement. Give an honest account of the accident, but do not directly admit fault. Avoid using phrases such as “it was all my fault.”

After the police have arrived, you will want to exchange insurance and personal information with the other drivers. Also, try and obtain the names, addresses, and phone numbers of any witnesses.

Always: Keep your insurance information in your glove compartment- this is not only required by the police, but is convenient for you.
Stay at the scene of the accident until the police have left.

Never: Give or accept any money on the scene of the accident or sign anything presented to you by another driver on the scene of an accident.

When filing an insurance claim, following these five steps will reduce complications and help you receive prompt and accurate coverage.

1. Contact Your Insurance Agent or Company Immediately

Call your agent or company. The number should be located on the papers or card kept in your glove compartment.

Even if the accident is minor or less than your deductible, you should report it- do not take chances. Even if your premiums go up, it’s better than the trouble that not reporting the accident could cause later on. If you do not report a minor accident and the other driver does, you may be held liable. Most states have laws to protect consumers from insurance companies unfairly raising rates.

2. Read Policies Closely

There are three parts to an insurance policy: conditions, declaration, and insuring agreement.

The Conditions-
Conditions are instructions on how to go about reporting an accident. Follow these directions closely to avoid complications and miscommunication.

The Declaration-
The declaration provides basic information such as the automobile owner’s name, how many drivers are in the household, the legal address of where the car is kept, and the description of the car. The declaration includes the dollar limits to which you are entitled and the type of coverage you have.

This is where you can find your lender’s name if you are still paying off a loan for the automobile. If your car is a total loss and you have a loan that is not paid off, contact the lender because the insurance company may pay the money directly to the lender. If the money does not cover the full amount you owe the lender, you must make arrangement to pay the balance.

The Insuring Agreement
The insuring agreement explains your coverage plan and lays out your basic insuring agreement. It also lists specific events in which the company will not cover you.

3. Keep a Paper Trail

Keep all of the paper work pertaining to the accident including the police report, medical bills, auto repair bills, and any other documents. Hold on to everything, even if it doesn’t seem important at the time, it may be vital later on.

Some companies will communicate directly through the police, hospital, or auto shop, yet others will require you to collect information and then send it to them.

Some insurance companies will pay for hospitals visits, auto repairs and other expenses directly. Others will require you to pay and then reimburse you, but you must have all of the paper work. This is something you will want to ask your agent about.

4. Complete and Return Paperwork Quickly

You will most likely receive forms in the mail from your insurance company. Complete these and send them back quickly. The faster the company receives the completed information, the faster you will receive the benefits of your coverage.

5. Ask Questions and Communicate with the Insurance Company as Well as the Auto Shops, Hospital, Police and Others

Be sure and call your agent every time you have a question. You will also want to call periodically to find out the status of your claim. The company deals with many cases and mistakes are possible. It is your responsibility to remain up to date on your claim. Make sure to call the police stations, hospitals, and auto shops to see that the proper paper work has been sent, and check with the insurance company to see that it has been received.

Do not forget that you are ultimately in charge of how the repairs turn out. Do not accept a repair job that does not meet your standards.

If you are without transportation, ask your agent if the company will pay for a rental car. Many companies will pay for one, but you must ask.

Remember: If there is anything you do not understand, call your agent. Don’t forget to read fine print!

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