Car Insurance Claims Made Easy

Being involved in a car accident is enough to fill most of us with panic. We think we could cope with the circumstances, but when the accident occurs our minds go blank and mistakes can be made.

There are so many factors that can affect the situation from who is to blame to if anyone is injured. Unfortunately, making mistakes at the scene of an accident can be extremely costly - your actions could even affect your chances of making a successful car insurance claim.

As such we’ve put together a guide to ensure that the claims process runs smoothly with guidance on how to prepare for the worst, what to do if an accident occurs and how to deal with the insurance company.

How you can prepare with a car insurance company

A car accident or a car theft is hardly something you plan for, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be prepared in case the worst happens.

Firstly you must ensure that you’re up front and honest with your insurer. If it is discovered that you’ve told some white lies to earn a cheaper car insurance premium then chances are your claim will be invalidated.

If you think that the chances of being caught are slim, then think again. Imagine for example if you claim to a car insurance provider that you park in a garage at night even though you leave your vehicle on the street. If your car is then stolen overnight, your insurer will want to know how that was possible. It can happen with accidents too. If your vehicle goes in for repairs and it is discovered you have a higher grade engine than the insurer knew of, you could be penalized.

There are certain things worth carrying with you in case an accident occurs too – including the phone number of your insurance company, a pen and paper to note down names and addresses, and a camera to take pictures at the scene. Carry copies of your vehicle documents and insurance in your car too - but not the originals in case the car is stolen.

What to do at the accident scene to assist a car insurance claim

Calmness is the key at the scene of an accident. Don’t let a rush of blood get the better of you – be polite even if the other driver is angry and don’t discuss who is at fault as that is a matter for the car insurance companies to determine.

Use your camera to take pictures of the scene as long as it is safe to do so – this can go a long way towards resolving any disputes. Use your pen and paper to note down the other driver’s name and address along with two or three contact numbers. Ask for the name of their car insurance provider – all of this information will need to be passed on to the insurer as soon as possible. Note down the make, model and color of the car, as well as its registration too, just in case the other driver is not honest with you. Look for any independent witnesses and take their details too.

Try to see if the other driver’s tax disc is out of date - discretely. If it is, you will need to call the police as you may have been in an accident with an uninsured driver.

If anyone has been injured in the accident, seek medical attention and let your insurance company know about the injuries. If your car cannot be driven after the incident, remove any personal effects and let your insurer know - it should advise on the best course of action.

How to deal with the car insurance provider

Speaking to a car insurance company following an accident can be intimidating because a lot is at stake.

Make sure you report the accident to the police and collect an incident number. Then contact the insurer with this incident reference number and provide as much detail as possible. If you have photographs, contact details for witnesses, or any other evidence, be sure to mention this as it will all help.

The insurer may take down all the details over the phone, but it may also send out a claims form in which you will be required to run through all the information again. As long as you follow the process as advised and remain honest you shouldn’t encounter any problems.

If you’re not happy with the service of your car insurance provider then make sure you shop around at renewal time - with 100s of insurers to choose from there’s no reason to settle for a less than exemplary service.