La Compagnie d'assurance Belair Inc. offers many types of insurance, including car insurance. For more information on their services, visit https://www.belairdirect.com/fr/.
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Steps to take when filing a car insurance accident claim
1. Steps to Take When Filing a
Car Insurance Accident Claim
2. Sooner or later, a mishap with an automobile is bound to happen to
every driver. Sometimes it is a minor mishap and sometimes it’s
more serious, but if you’re out on the roads enough you’ll probably
have reason to make a car insurance submission eventually.
Making car insurance claims can get pretty complex and can turn
out poorly if you don’t go about it the right way. Following the right
steps is crucial to ensure your car insurance submission goes as
smoothly as possible.
3. Is It an Emergency?
The most important step in the process is to get emergency
attention to anyone who needs it. If the accident is serious and
you’re able, call 911 for police and ambulance before you do
anything else.
If you are injured and aren’t able to move, just try to remain calm
and wait for an ambulance to arrive.
If possible, move your vehicle over to the side of the road, out of
the way of the main traffic.
4. Don’t Admit Fault
Assuming everyone is ok, and you are speaking with the other
driver, do not admit fault for the accident.
Even if it seems as though the collision was definitely your fault,
don’t verbally admit it. You may feel as though you want to
apologize and you may feel bad, but an admission of guilt now
could come back to haunt you later.
You’ll have plenty of time to say sorry later when all the details are
sorted out.
5. Exchange Information
Exchanging insurance and personal information is the next step
you should take. This includes:
• Insurance company information
• Address
• Phone numbers
• Driver’s license number
• Year, make and model of vehicles
6. Look for Witnesses
After you’ve exchanged information with the other driver, try to find
witnesses that might be able to help your case.
Look for people that neither you or the other driver know, who saw
what happened and would be willing to share their story. Ask for
contact information in case your insurance company wants to
contact them.
7. Contact Your Insurance Company
Once everything seems under control at the scene, it’s time to call
your insurance company and report the incident. In order to make
a car insurance submission, your provider must be aware of what
happened.
Your provider will let you know exactly what kind of coverage you
have and if you’re entitled to a rental while your car is repaired.
8. Don’t Get Repairs
Your insurance provider will advise you not to get any repairs done
on the vehicle, but if for some reason you have that option before
speaking to the insurance agent, don’t get any repairs done.
You can replace or patch a damaged tire so the vehicle can be
driven, but let your insurance company take a look at the car
before having anything more substantial done.
9. Prepare for Questions
Depending on the nature of the incident, your car insurance
submission will likely come with a lot of questions. You will be
asked questions by your own insurance company, possibly the
other driver’s insurance company and maybe even by police.
Be honest with your version of events, and ask your insurance
provider for guidance in any areas where you may be unsure.
Write down of everything you tell the other insurance carrier in
case there is an eventual lawsuit.
10. Follow the Process
After you’ve taken all the initial steps and contacted your insurance
agent, just allow the process to unfold naturally. Take the advice of
your insurance company when it comes to repairs and other
aspects, and follow the process until its completion.
Some elements may seem unnecessary or trivial to you, but it’s
important to see it through to the end so you get the full extent of
your coverage.
11. References
La Compagnie d'assurance Belair Inc. offers many types of
insurance, including car insurance. For more information on
their services, visit https://www.belairdirect.com/fr/.