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5 things to inform your insurance company when you smash your car

Author: Simon Hopes
by Simon Hopes
Posted: Jan 24, 2022
insurance company

If you have ever encountered a car accident, you know how scary, traumatic and devastating it can be. It can leave you traumatized, and not knowing what to do next only increases your hardship. One of the things you must do when you encounter a car accident is to inform your insurance company. That is why you have an auto insurance policy. It helps alleviate the financial and logistical burdens of a car accident. However, that depends on the facts you present and how fast you act after the accident. Here are five things to tell your insurance company after an accident.

Spit only the facts

Car accidents can be scary and may leave you confused. Many people result to finger-pointing the moments after an accident, so you should not contact the insurance agent at that time. Take your time to digest everything, record key information, and take pictures of the scene. Then when you are away from the accident scene, the first thing your insurance company needs to know are the facts; when, where, and what really happened. Include details of speed, weather conditions, the direction of travel, traffic conditions, and all parties involved, including who hit who.

Report the damage

Your phone's camera comes in handy whenever you encounter a car accident. It makes it easier to collect evidence of the damage, from minor to major damage. Ensure you take good pictures of the damage while still on the accident scene and document any other damage to other cars involved, then report it to your insurance company. Your insurance company will want to know the smash repairs it will pay for and will also want to ascertain that your claim is credible, so the evidence is necessary. It is also not a good idea to exaggerate the damage.

Give out the details of who was involved.

Whenever a car accident happens, it is advisable to collect the details of anyone involved, including:

  • The driver’s full name and phone number.
  • The vehicle’s registration and license details.
  • Insurance policy number.
  • Names and contact information of witnesses.
  • Insurance company name and contact information.
  • Details of the car including the model, make, and color.

It is also advisable to provide your information to the other parties to simplify the processing of the claim by the insurance companies involved. Ensure you give your insurance company all this information and avoid implicating yourself.

Report any red flags

There is a reason why the accident happened, and it could have been negligence, overspeeding, wrongful overtaking, etc. Many car accidents are just that: accidents. However, some drivers with old and damaged cars may try to cause accidents to get compensated and replace their cars. Note that perpetrators of fraudulent car accidents may try to intimidate or threaten a victim into admitting fault. Notify the police and your insurance company if you notice such signs.

Get a witness

A witness can provide objective details of what happened during the car accident because they don't have any personal investment in the situation's outcome. Therefore, exchange contacts with a witness before leaving the car accident scene.

About the Author

With extensive research and study, Simon passionately creates blogs on divergent topics. His writings are unique and utterly grasping owing to his dedication in researching for distinctive topics.

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Author: Simon Hopes
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Simon Hopes

Member since: Feb 13, 2017
Published articles: 499

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