When an accident occurs, it is critical that you take the right steps to protect your rights and minimize your losses. You may not know who is at fault. However, you know you have auto insurance to help. What should you do? If you are in a collision with any other party, it is best to contact the police as your first step. Then, here’s what to do to ensure your claims go through properly.
Provide the Police with Info
In nearly all situations, it is up to the police officer who responds to the incident to determine who is at fault for the accident. They will use information from both drivers, witnesses, and even area security cameras to make this decision. They also typically gather information from evidence at the scene including damage to the cars.
Take Your Own Details Down
Just because the police officer assigns fault, it may or may not be accurate. Additional information may become available later. You may not agree with the outcome. Your goal here is to have your own information to ensure you can verify the incident with your auto insurance company. This should include gathering photos of the incident, getting witness statements and contact information, and obtaining the identification of all others involved.
When It Is Your Fault
If you are in a collision with another driver, and it is your fault, there are several things to do to file a claim. Call your insurance company and provide the following:
- Information about all parties involved. This includes information about other drivers, other property owners who have loss, and passengers in your car
- Insight about what happened. The agent will need to verify the type of coverage you have to properly assign coverage to you
- Information about the damage to your car. Your agent may require you to obtain a quote for repairs
Your agent can help you to file a claim with all of this information. They will work to handle any losses associated with the other driver. You do not have to manage those claims. You will have to provide information about your losses including any damage to your car from the accident.
When you are in a collision, and you have collision auto insurance, you have help to protect your vehicle. If you do not have this type of car insurance, it may be time to update your policy to include it. Call us to discuss your Stuart auto insurance coverages at 772-287-3366.