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Filing An Auto Insurance Claim

Taking the time now to review the steps you should follow after an auto accident will help to reduce the anxiety surrounding the incident and avoid costly and time-consuming mistakes. The Better Business Bureau suggests the following tips to make sure things go smoothly.

• Always have on hand your company's claim service card with your agent's name and phone number, and your policy identification number.

  Notify the police immediately. Get the police officer's name and badge number and the address and phone number of the police station. Ask the officer when the accident report will be filed and how you can obtain a copy.

  Review your insurance company's filing procedures, and store a copy in your glove compartment as a reminder of the information the company requires.

  Notify your insurance company or agent. Do it as soon as possible even if you're far from home and even if someone else caused the accident. Ask your agent how to proceed and what forms or documents will be needed to support your claim. Be familiar with your insurance company's policy regarding qualified repair shops and pre-inspections.

  Make sure you get the name of the other driver, his or her address, work and home telephone numbers; vehicle license plate number and state; insurance company name and policy number and the telephone number of his or her insurance agent. Also, obtain the names and addresses of all passengers and witnesses.

  Make notes describing the accident, the vehicles involved, their approximate speeds, the setting, the weather, the traffic signs and signals, and the road conditions. Take photographs if possible; or draw simple diagrams of the roads and the accident.

  Don't make any oral or written statements as to responsibility or blame.

  Don't tell others involved in the accident how much liability insurance you carry.

  Don't discuss the specifics of the accident with other drivers, witnesses or passengers.

  Don't accept offers to settle for payment on the spot without thinking about it carefully. You may be held liable later for the same damages.

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