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