by Car accidents can have huge financial, emotional, and even physical impacts on your life. The processes of dealing with an accident, and car insurance company, can also be confusing and complicated. Here are a few steps for you to follow when dealing with another person’s insurance company after an accident.
If All Goes According To Plan…
The following two steps are mandatory in any car accident. If all goes according to plan after following these two steps, you’re good to go! If not, take a look at the next section.
1. Collect All The Relevant Information
The collision has just taken place and you are obviously shaken up, or in a state of shock. The first thing to do is make sure you get as much information as possible. Included in this is:
- Other driver’s name and address
- Other driver’s insurance company name and policy information
At the scene, make sure to document and gather as much evidence as you can. Take pictures of the scene as well as of the damage to both cars. It is a good idea to speak to possible witnesses for statements and contact information. Should the other party have caused the accident, this documentation could be vital in ensuring that you are not held liable for it. Make sure you do not admit to being guilty at any point, even if you are. It is up to the police to determine who is guilty.
2. Report The Accident And Contact Your Insurance Company Immediately
Each party involved will need to report the accident to the local police station and get a case number. Your insurance company will need all the details of what happened. They can then begin assisting you with getting your car towed (if need be) and repaired, and will process the claim. Provide the contact information of the other party to your insurance company. They will then contact the other party, as well as the insurer, on your behalf.
If You Hit a Wall…
If, however, there are issues with your insurance company getting in touch with the other party or their provider, here’s what you can do.
3. Claim Against The Responsible Party
Should the other party be at fault, your first step is to claim directly from the other party instead of just going to their insurer. It is only when the insurer agrees to discharge the responsible party of liability, and takes over the defence, that the insurer and you will interact. Streamline the process by having proof of the extent of damages, as well as the costs to restore it to its original state. Should you be guilty, and their insurance company has contacted you, request all of the relevant documentation, and proof of costs and damages, in order to negotiate a settlement.
4. Obtain Direct Contact With The Other Insurer
Should the other party be uncooperative and you have no choice but to approach the other insurer yourself, you will need to keep a few things in mind. Firstly, insurance company calls are usually recorded, so keep your information brief and to the point. Should you be the third party claimant, they will be looking for any type of admission of guilt from you in order to avoid paying the claim. Provide them with their client’s details and inform them that their client has been involved in an accident. State brief facts of the accident and provide them with the case number. Make sure you have everything documented and recorded in case the case goes legal.
In summary, whether you are guilty or not; make sure that every step of the process is documented. Leave it up to the police to determine fault and try and allow the insurance companies to deal directly with each other as much as possible.
