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