FRIDAY, JANUARY 25, 2013
Nothing is worse than hearing the screech of tires, feeling the rush of adrenalin followed by the bang and crash of a collision. Of course then you pull off on the side of the road, assess the damage and begin to wonder, “What’s this going to cost me?” Filing a car insurance claim is something that nobody enjoys doing, but the process can be simple, easy, and effective when customers understand the basic tips of getting the ball rolling.
 Make Contact ASAP
Immediately after a car accident, call your insurance company or agent as soon as possible. The quicker you report an auto insurance claim, the faster the claims process gets going, the sooner your car will get repaired, and you will be back on the road. Reporting a claim in a timely manner is crucial. An insurer has the ability to deny payment of claims if the accident isn't reported within a reasonable period, so it’s important to understand your policy and report claims as soon as they occur.
Remember the Details
The claims process will go much smoother if your insurance company knows exactly what happened in the course of the accident. Drivers should do everything they can to get the names and addresses of all drivers and passengers involved in the accident including insurance information and license plate numbers. Take note of the make and model of each car and driver’s license numbers of all the drivers if possible. Look around for witnesses and get their names and contact information. Ask the police for their names and badge numbers so you know who you spoke with and who was present at the time.
Be Prepared
A simple accident preparedness kit can be kept in the trunk of your vehicle and provide valuable items in the case of a collision. Keep items in the kit such as a disposable camera, paper and pen, emergency contact numbers, warning triangles or emergency flares. An accident kit on hand can make it easier for drivers and victims of accidents because you won’t be scrambling around your crumpled car looking for a receipt or broken pencil to take notes with.
Stay Calm
Car accidents can be traumatic, emotional, and upsetting, but remaining calm can go a long way. People are more likely to share their insurance and other information if you stay calm and mature rather than irrational and confrontational. If the others are uncooperative, wait for the police to arrive. Most people are much more willing to give their information to a police officer.
Be Honest
Auto insurance fraud is not something you want on your record. If you know you made a mistake, if you know it was your fault, it’s better to fess up than face the consequences. If you face a rate increase, searching for a different car insurance company is always on option.
By Matt Reynolds - Google+
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