Auto Insurance After an Accident

2006-09-14

No matter how you make yourself believe that you are one safe driver, road accidents do happen when you least expect it. Even if you buckle up your seatbelt every time before you even travel an inch and even if you car regularly undergo tune-ups and maintenance checks every so often, there is no guarantee of safety on the road.

Traveling on the road is deemed as one of the most high-risk daily life activities. Accidents can happen, no matter what type of vehicle you own and drive, and yes, even if it’s a contraption that appears capable of withstanding damages in a war zone. Because of this fact, then it is only but sensible to get your self an auto insurance.

If you are planning to get auto insurance or if you already have an existing plan, here are a few pointers that would help you increase your knowledge about auto insurance after an accident.

The first step requires detailed documentation. Don’t say that it’s just additional paperwork. It pays to be highly organized. Having complete documentations about any accident will help establish the facts of the case and provide ample evidence when making insurance claims, and more so when proving innocence or extent of fault.

If you were involved in a road accident, specifically during a collision with another vehicle, get as information of the incident as you. Note down the following details:

Type of car, make/model, year, registration, license plates

Driver’s name and his driver’s license number

Date, time and exact location of the accident (street names, landmarks)

Passengers’ names

Name and number of the insurance policy provider of the other party/parties involved in the accident

Witnesses’ names

Your personal account of the accident (Try to do this right away to avoid leaving out any important detail.)

Weather conditions (rainy, windy, etc.).

Rate at which you and the rest of the traffic were going

Name and badge number of the police officer involved in the investigation of the accident

After filing a report with the police, also ask for a case number and a copy of the documented account of the accident.

Take photographs from all angles of the damage absorbed by the vehicle.

An important thing to remember is that the amount you can be granted for your accident claim will be based on the percentage of fault the insurance company may assign to you. The options included in your policy will also serve as determinants for the final claim you are entitled to.

Continue to Part 2 of Auto Insurance After an Accident

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