| Your car has been damaged in a motor accident. | | | | your accident ask the company representative to |
| What you do next and how you handle your | | | | outline exactly the steps you need to take in order |
| insurance claim will likely determine how successful | | | | to file a claim for coverage - then be sure to follow |
| your claim is. | | | | the instructions you get to the letter. |
| If you've been injured, or your car has been | | | | 6. If you are entitled to a courtesy car, follow the |
| damaged in an motoring accident, here are some tips | | | | instructions from your insurance company when you |
| to help your car insurance claim proceed smoothly so | | | | hire it. |
| that you get paid out what you're entitled to in the | | | | 7. If you are not entitled to a courtesy car, you may |
| most timely manner possible. | | | | still be entitled to claim travel expenses for the time |
| 1. Write down what happened as soon as possible so | | | | that you are without your car. Your insurance |
| that your account is accurate. An accurate report of | | | | company will cover "reasonable expenses", which |
| the accident or incident will help your insurance | | | | generally means by the cheapest available means. If |
| company decide quickly. | | | | you keep your claim for travel expenses reasonable, |
| 2. Take photos of the scene, the damage and | | | | they are more likely to be covered. |
| injuries. If you have a mobile phone or digital camera | | | | 8. Be honest in your claim form. One of the biggest |
| along, one of the best things you can do is document | | | | reasons that claims are denied is that the claimant |
| the circumstances with photographs. They'll be a | | | | falsified information. |
| valuable addition to your written account for the | | | | 9. Do not have any repair work done to your vehicle |
| insurance report. | | | | until your insurer agrees to pay for it. Check with |
| 3. Determine whether you need to call the police. You | | | | your insurer to find out if they have recommended |
| should call the police to make a report if: | | | | or preferred repair shops in your area. Shops that |
| - If your car has been stolen | | | | work regularly with your insurer will often hae special |
| - if the car has been broken into | | | | arrangements to get the work done quickly and |
| - if your car has been maliciously damaged | | | | efficiently. |
| - if someone has been injured as a result of the | | | | 10. Be sure to get an official receipt for any work |
| accident | | | | done to your car. In most cases, you'll be required to |
| - if you believe an illegal act has taken place | | | | submit a receipt with your claim form in order to |
| 4. Inform your insurance company as soon as | | | | have it paid or be reimbursed. |
| possible after the damage occurs. If your insurer has | | | | Dealing with the aftermath of an accident is never |
| a 24 hour help line, use it to report your accident, | | | | fun, but if you follow these few simple tips, it will be |
| then follow up with a written claim. | | | | far easier and less complicated. |
| 5. When you ring up the insurance company after | | | | |