While driving in the city to a friend’s party, Jerry and Susan are talking about their plans for the upcoming weekend. All of a sudden, Crunch! Jerry and Susan hear the unmistakable sound of their car colliding with another. After making sure neither is injured, both Jerry and Susan gaze at each other wondering what are they supposed to do after the accident.

The first thing you notice is that uncomfortable panic feeling. It becomes important to calm down. Secondly, call 911 to report the accident. When you exit the car, do so carefully to avoid oncoming traffic. Do not admit fault; you want to merely exchange information and let the police and insurance company do their job.  Keep in mind your insurance company is there to defend and protect you up to your limits of liability in your policy.

If it is possible, move your vehicle to a safe location. You will want to get the facts together to present to your insurance agent claim adjuster.

This is what you’ll need:

1. Take pictures with your cell phone of the accident scene.

2. Other vehicle information – year, make model, plate number, etc.

3. Other driver information – name, address, phone number for contact, driver’s license number and insurance company and policy number.

4. If you have witnesses to the accident, gather their names and phone numbers.

Now that the police have left the scene, call your insurance agent and report the claim. Generally, within a day of reporting to them, you will receive a call from your insurance adjuster. The adjuster will ask for a statement, which is your point of view describing the accident. They usually record these for resource documentation and necessary defense information later. Take down the adjuster name and phone number as they will be your point of contact throughout the process.

Most insurance companies will either send an adjuster to assess the damage or direct you to their claims center for an estimate. Once you have a written estimate, your body shop or garage usually does the work for the amount on the estimate. The body shop or garage will contact your insurance company if they find hidden damages that were not included in the initial estimate.

If you are not comfortable with any part of the process, always call your Trusted Choice Independent Insurance agent as we can be an important advocate for you.  Contact Richey-Barrett today to discuss your personal auto insurance needs.