Even the most minor of auto collisions will make some drivers panic, or others forget exactly what steps to take to resolve the conflict. If there are no major injuries, utilize hazards, pull over, and exchange information in a safer location. Exchange insurance information and license plate numbers; also exchange names and driver’s license numbers, particularly if the driver of the car is not listed on the insurance policy. Don’t let the other driver pull away until completely convinced that all the information you need to file a claim is available to you.
File a claim as soon as possible
If there are no visible injuries, it’s not always necessary to call the police officers to file a police report at the scene. Insurance companies will often file the accident report to the DMV on their policy holder’s behalf at a later date; it is imperative to follow through to make sure this has been accomplished, or if it is indeed the responsibility of the involved driver. Whenever possible, it is best to call the policyholder’s insurance company to see how to proceed while at the scene.
Use extreme caution if the driver at fault wants to handle things privately; issues can escalate while receiving later estimates if the driver at fault no longer wants to pay for expensive damages, and claims are harder to file at that point if crucial evidence has been lost at the body work shop if body work has commenced. If possible, file a claim at the scene while both drivers are present; this can help solve disputes later if no dispute arose at the time while the insurance companies were contacted concurrently.
Take photographs at the scene
Photographs are often a saving grace. Make sure to keep a disposable camera in the glove compartment at all times. Take photographs both at the scene and, if the car is drivable, at the body work shop when preparing for an estimate. Oftentimes drivers will agree privately with whom fault resides, only to have the driver at fault renege on any promises whilst talking later to their claims adjuster. If the driver at fault claims that they never made contact or that the damage was there previously, photographs are a convenient way to solve any disputes quickly as they arise.
Photographs can often show paint transfer, which can often put any dispute of non-contact to rest. If the driver at fault claims that the damage was there previously, the claims adjusters will take appropriate measures such as viewing both cars prior to body work, making measurements, and drawing conclusions. Most false assertions are always uncovered, yet photographs can often speed the process considerably.
Prepare for estimates
If your car is in need of repair and is drivable, your insurance company will either provide you with a body work shop to receive an estimate, or in some cases, one can be chosen by you for personal reasons. Drive your car to the shop as soon as possible so the claims adjuster can visit to make an estimate, and body work can be started quickly. Your claims adjuster will usually work with the body work shop to come up with an acceptable amount for the insurance company to pay for parts and labor.
If you are not responsible for the collision, usually you will not pay your deductible; if you are at fault, this deductible usually will be owed to the body work shop upon completion of repairs and your insurance company will pick up the rest. Negotiate with the insurance company to see what your best course of action is in regards to body work, as each insurance company is different in arranging payment and nothing should be taken for granted.
Most importantly, stay calm and collected. Never admit guilt, but also remain honest when dealing with both insurance companies and police officers. Be polite when dealing with insurance adjusters, even when nerves are raw. Fortunately, most minor auto accidents can be solved fairly quickly when one keeps a clear head.
File a claim as soon as possible
If there are no visible injuries, it’s not always necessary to call the police officers to file a police report at the scene. Insurance companies will often file the accident report to the DMV on their policy holder’s behalf at a later date; it is imperative to follow through to make sure this has been accomplished, or if it is indeed the responsibility of the involved driver. Whenever possible, it is best to call the policyholder’s insurance company to see how to proceed while at the scene.
Use extreme caution if the driver at fault wants to handle things privately; issues can escalate while receiving later estimates if the driver at fault no longer wants to pay for expensive damages, and claims are harder to file at that point if crucial evidence has been lost at the body work shop if body work has commenced. If possible, file a claim at the scene while both drivers are present; this can help solve disputes later if no dispute arose at the time while the insurance companies were contacted concurrently.
Take photographs at the scene
Photographs are often a saving grace. Make sure to keep a disposable camera in the glove compartment at all times. Take photographs both at the scene and, if the car is drivable, at the body work shop when preparing for an estimate. Oftentimes drivers will agree privately with whom fault resides, only to have the driver at fault renege on any promises whilst talking later to their claims adjuster. If the driver at fault claims that they never made contact or that the damage was there previously, photographs are a convenient way to solve any disputes quickly as they arise.
Photographs can often show paint transfer, which can often put any dispute of non-contact to rest. If the driver at fault claims that the damage was there previously, the claims adjusters will take appropriate measures such as viewing both cars prior to body work, making measurements, and drawing conclusions. Most false assertions are always uncovered, yet photographs can often speed the process considerably.
Prepare for estimates
If your car is in need of repair and is drivable, your insurance company will either provide you with a body work shop to receive an estimate, or in some cases, one can be chosen by you for personal reasons. Drive your car to the shop as soon as possible so the claims adjuster can visit to make an estimate, and body work can be started quickly. Your claims adjuster will usually work with the body work shop to come up with an acceptable amount for the insurance company to pay for parts and labor.
If you are not responsible for the collision, usually you will not pay your deductible; if you are at fault, this deductible usually will be owed to the body work shop upon completion of repairs and your insurance company will pick up the rest. Negotiate with the insurance company to see what your best course of action is in regards to body work, as each insurance company is different in arranging payment and nothing should be taken for granted.
Most importantly, stay calm and collected. Never admit guilt, but also remain honest when dealing with both insurance companies and police officers. Be polite when dealing with insurance adjusters, even when nerves are raw. Fortunately, most minor auto accidents can be solved fairly quickly when one keeps a clear head.
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