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Home » Consumer Information » Automobile Tips

What to do after an Auto Accident

After an auto accident, it is normal to be shaken up. However, it's important to keep in mind some important steps to follow:

  • Your car insurance information should already be stored in your glove box in addition to a form that can be used to record specifics in regard to the accident and sketch the scene of the crash. It is also a good idea to keep a disposable camera inside your vehicle because a photograph is even more valuable than a sketch under the circumstances.
  • Record the names of the police officers on the scene and give them your account of the accident. Remain at the site until the police have left. Do not assume a police report will let you off the hook or that one will even be written up if the accident is negligible.
  • Get the other driver's name, address, license, and insurance information.
  • Give yourself a refresher, and read over your insurance policy. Write down any questions or comments in relation to your coverage to clarify things with your insurance provider.
  • Immediately inform your insurance company about the crash regardless of whether your feel it's necessary to do so. The accident may seem insignificant, you may wish to avoid a jump in your monthly rate, or you may reside in a state where the law recognizes no-fault situations in which case the opposing driver's insurance will foot the bill. However, state legislation typically keeps your rate down unless it can be proven you are liable. You may also be under the assumption that a no-fault accident exempts you from paying for the other driver's medical costs, but this is untrue. In reality, that driver's insurance will pay for the maximum expenses outlined in their coverage plan no matter who is to blame. If the other driver's insurance company finds reason to believe you are at fault, they will expect repayment from your insurance provider. For this reason alone, your insurance company has the right to be notified.

Understanding your policy

Like many others, you've probably never read your car insurance policy or believed that if you were to get into an accident, the insurance jargon would be too difficult to comprehend. In the back of your policy, there should be a section addressing the conditions, or what needs to be done in case of an accident. These prerequisites are fairly clear-cut, but the terms of your insurance coverage may appear to be too much to handle. Please beware that you may surrender some of your rights if you refuse to follow directions.

Now, examine the first page of your policy, or the declarations page, which lays out the type of coverage and the limitations imposed upon it. This also will reflect any discounts or extra coverage perks that you have selected.

Lastly, it is important to examine the insuring agreement. This clarifies how you are protected under the terms of the policy and discusses what has been omitted from the coverage. If you still are confused by what you've read, do not hesitate to contact your agent or the state insurance department until you are satisfied with the knowledge you have accumulated. In the end, it pays off to stay informed.

Payment

Even if your vehicle is the only one that has been ruined, repairs can be quite hectic. Shortly, you will realize that there is a distinct difference between the market value of your car or truck and the replacement cost. There are occasions when an insurance company will deem a vehicle a total loss. This may lead you to believe that you will receive a check large enough to afford a reasonable replacement vehicle, but in actuality, the payment is not even close to cover the amount lost.

Keep in mind that although the bill may be footed by an insurance provider, you should still oversee every aspect of the repair process. In other words, the repair work must meet your expectations--not the insurance company's. You may think you're being picky, but you have the liberty to turn down generic parts in favor of manufacturer-certified components as long as there is nothing within the policy stating that your insurer can choose to order the cheaper alternative. This is yet another example of why familiarizing yourself with every facet of your policy is essential. Even if the insurance company has not provided authorization for you to have the car fixed at your preferred body shop, nothing can stop you from getting an estimate from the people you trust. In the end, it is still your automobile and you should be able to make the final call.

It is wisest to discuss these concerns and any additional topics dealing with your rights with the insurer prior to purchasing a plan. However, if you have already purchased a policy and disagree with what you've been told, consult the state insurance department if your rights have been violated.

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