Filing a claim for accident insurance is very easy, but the anticipation regarding the accident make the process seems very tough to get completed. If you file your claim correctly, in the right way then it should be processed in less than a week?s time, though it may take almost a month before you receive your check for any medical expense or damage.
Once you are in an accident you should first check to make sure that everyone is all right. If it was a severe accident someone may have to call 911 to get help. It is also important to remember that you should not admit fault at any time after an accident. If it turns out that the accident wasn?t your fault you may still end up paying as a result. Try to get everyone calmed down and relaxed before approaching the other driver or drivers.
You must not get involved in any other thing except exchanging information with the driver or drivers. Get each other?s names, phone numbers, addresses, and other insurance details. You can wait for the police officer to come and do this for you if the other party seems offended. After the police officer arrives, they will create a report with whatever information available.
One of the foremost things to do is to take some pictures of the accident spot and surrounding areas. If the accident happens in a busy area then they may want to quickly clean up the mess and get the cars removed immediately. Therefore you must quickly click some pictures before anything is removed from the spot. You must click pictures of the damaged cars as well as the surrounding areas.
You must also call your claims representative at this time. If both the parties have a little time to spare then the claims representative can come at the spot and inspect. They assist in the claims process by taking pictures, questioning the witnesses, and preparing the report accordingly. The agents also assist you by filling up the form either with you in person or over the phone. The agents may want to know the accurate time and location of the accident. You may also get a copy of the police report and send it to the insurance company.
After you call your claims agent, take pictures, and get the other driver’s information you will be able to leave the scene. If you hit someone’s car and leave without leaving any information it is known as a hit and run. A check should come to you through the mail for the damages, but this can take a long time. You will probably have to pay for repairs out of your pocket before you are reimbursed for them.
You can ask several things to the claims agent to clearly understand the claims procedure. You may ask things like your coverage details, as different types of plans offer dissimilar coverage. You may question the agents as to when the remaining paper work is due, though its generally done in less than a week. In case of grave accidents, you may get your lawyer have a look at your legal formalities and paper work.
Graham McKenzie is the content syndication coordinator for Carinsurancesa.co.za. South Arica?s leading car insurance portal.
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