PROVIDENCE – With winter weather upon us, the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America is offering tips if you’re involved in a traffic accident to increase safety and decrease problems and delays with claims later on.
“If you are in an accident, first notify the police and then talk to your auto insurer or agent,” said Frank O’Brien, vice president of state government affairs for the PCI, which represents about 1,000 member companies nationwide. “Following these simple steps will help to ensure the safety of all parties and speed up the insurance claims process. Only your insurer or insurance agent can go over with you exactly what your policy covers. Plus your insurer just might have better repair options to get your car or truck repaired right and with fewer hassles – getting you back on the road sooner.”
Here are PCI’s 10 recommended steps to take after an accident:
- Stay calm. Do not leave the accident scene. Call the police, even if the accident is minor.
- Check for injuries. Safety is more important than any property damage. If in doubt, call an ambulance.
- If the accident is minor and there are no injuries, move cars to a safe place out of traffic.
- Turn on hazard lights for safety. If possible, use cones, warning triangles, or flares.
- Notify your insurer or insurance agent about the accident immediately. They will begin working on your case and will also be a resource for answering any questions you might have about the claims process.
- Don’t sign any documents unless it is for the police or your insurance agent.
- Make immediate and detailed notes about the accident, including direction of travel, street names, and condition of the road. Also include a comment on the damage to all vehicles or other property involved. If it is safe to do so, take pictures of the scene if you have a camera handy or make a brief diagram. Get witness information if possible.
- Get the name of the other driver and their insurance information. If the name on the auto registration and/or insurance policy is different from the name of the driver, establish the relationship and note this information.
- Be polite and factual. Be careful of assuming fault or blaming fault on another driver. These statements will become important when it is time to settle claims. Everyone is usually shaken up immediately after an accident, and it is wise to state only the facts. Limit your discussion of the accident to the insurance agent and the police. Even if the facts are embarrassing or detrimental to you, be truthful.
- Remember that while getting the facts is very important, investigating the accident should be left to the police officers and the insurance companies.
The winter months produce more traffic accidents than all of the other months of the year combined, and that volume means body shops can become overwhelmed with work leading to delays in getting repairs completed and more hassle for drivers.
“Your insurer or insurance agent can help you minimize problems in finding reputable auto body repair facility and assist you every step of the way following an accident,” said O’Brien. “Before turning your vehicle over to a body shop, talk with your insurer or insurance agent. They handle thousands of accidents and have already done the leg work that can lead to a high-quality, hassle-free experience.”
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