There's certain things you need to do when you've been involved in a car accident (whether you are responsible for it or not) that many people are unaware of. We've spoken to the SELECT from Direct Line insurance team to give you some handy tips.
Experiencing a car accident can be a traumatic experience, but it's important to know what to do in case it happens to you.
Here Top 10 Tips Car accident insurance:
- If you’re involved in an accident, you will need to jot down as much information as possible and take certain steps to help your insurance company and also ensure that you do not break the law.
- It’s a good idea to carry a pen and paper in your glove compartment so that in the event of an accident you can take down notes. A disposable camera is handy to take pictures at the scene.
- Of course, the first thing you need to do after an accident is check that everyone involved is uninjured.
- If a person other than yourself is hurt, or if property or another vehicle has been damaged in the accident you must remain at the scene. Make sure you report the incident to the police within 24 hours, and present your certificate of car insurance within seven days.
- If an animal has been injured or killed or damage is caused to another vehicle or property then you must stop at the scene and give your details to anyone with good reason to ask for them. Again, the incident also needs reporting to the police within 24 hours. Also, if no person nor animal is hurt, you are still legally obliged to stop at the scene if your car is involved in an accident.
- You're actually obliged to do these things not only when you are directly involved in an accident, but also if your vehicle's 'presence' was a factor.
- It is also important that you report the accident to your insurance company, even if you do not want to claim yourself.
- Your insurer will want to know the time and date of the accident, and whatever details you have of the other driver and passengers involved. Information about the vehicles involved, and information about the weather, visibility and lighting conditions will all help.
- You should also take a note of the ‘collar number’ and force details of any attending police officers.
- A full description of what happened, including the estimated speed of the vehicles involved, the type of road and a description of the scene of the accident will also be very useful for your insurer.
[via - Telegraph.co.uk]