December 18, 2009
Car Accident Insurance Claim Process Explained
Filing a claim for accident insurance is very easy, but the anticipation regarding the accident make the process seems very tough to get completed. If you file your claim correctly, in the right way then it should be processed in less than a week?s time, though it may take almost a month before you receive your check for any medical expense or damage.
After an accident, the first thing you must do is ensure that everyone is safe. In case of a grave accident, you must immediately ask someone to cal at 911 for assistance. You must also remember to not rush into admitting your fault. If it gets proved that the accident was not caused due to your mistake, you may still have to have the compensations. Try to get control over the situations, calm people around you and then approach the other driver or drivers
You must approach the other party only to exchange contact details and information. You must get details like their names, address, and phone number. If you find that the other driver is upset then let the police officer arrive and take this information on your behalf. The police officer will draft a report with whatever information he can gather by talking to both parties and inspecting the accident area.
You must quickly take a few pictures of the accident spot before anything else. If the accident took place in a busy area then they would want to get the vehicles moved out at the soonest, so you must click pictures before the mess is completely cleared up. You must click pictures that of the show the damage caused to both cars and the surrounding area.
This is also the time to call your claims agent. If everyone has a little time to wait the agent can come out immediately. They help take pictures, question witnesses, and get the story straight. They will also help you fill out the claim form, whether it is over the phone or in person. They need to know the exact time of the accident and where it was. Try to get a copy of the police report and send it in if possible.
After you have called your claims representative, taken pictures, and exchanged information with the driver you are allowed to leave the place. If you knock own someone?s car and drive away without exchanging any information it is called hit and run. You may receive a check through your mail for expenses incurred due to the damages, however this may take time. Most probably you will have to pay out of your own pocket for all the costs of fixing your car.
You can ask several things to the claims agent to clearly understand the claims procedure. You may ask things like your coverage details, as different types of plans offer dissimilar coverage. You may question the agents as to when the remaining paper work is due, though its generally done in less than a week. In case of grave accidents, you may get your lawyer have a look at your legal formalities and paper work.
Graham McKenzie is the content syndication coordinator for Carinsurancesa.co.za. South Arica?s leading car insurance portal.
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