Just knowing the basic procedures after an accident can save you
time, energy and money in the midst of your stress and frustration. InsuranceAgents.com has released a guide to help drivers get through the claims process during an already stressful time.

Check
for any injuries first and foremost on you and your passenger. If there
is, call 911. If not, you should follow these steps:

• Stay where
you are, give a call to 911, and report that you were just involved in
an auto accident. Give your name and the location of where the accident
occurred. The dispatch office will send a police officer to the scene
of the accident.
• Get the driver’s name and their insurance
information, but do not talk about who is at fault with the other
driver; the police officer will determine that through a brief
investigation. However, be sure to explain everything that happened to
the police officer and obtain a copy of a police report for a future
claim.
• Do not accept any settlements from the driver on the
spot. You could have internal damage in your car, so it’s best to have
a mechanic check it out, perhaps on behalf of your insurer.
• Take
some pictures of your damaged vehicle, where the driver hit your car,
and the scene of the accident. This will help your insurance company,
the court system, and your lawyer in many ways should there are
conflicts with the appraisal, proof that there was an accident, or
lawsuits.
• Be sure to phone your insurer to report an accident.

Above
all, maintain honesty in a hectic situation, such as a car accident to
insure that your best interests are covered by your insurer and the
court of law – if it comes to that.

When you are involved in a
collision with another vehicle, collision coverage covers the costs of
damages and repairs to your car. Without it, you will have to pay for
expensive repairs on your car. However, in many cases, the other driver
will have to pay for your repairs through their liability auto
insurance, also called a party claim.

If your state is deemed
“no-fault” you will have to always file a claim to your insurer, even
if you weren’t at fault. Keep in mind that Auto insurance companies can
never make you go to their preferred repair shop. Still, an auto
insurer’s recommendation would make it easier for you to get the needed
repairs according to their standards, since you will be guaranteed that
your car will be back in working condition.

Auto accidents can
happen anytime, so it’s near impossible to be prepared for one. If you
feel that you need some help with your claim, don’t hesitate to call
your insurance agent or customer service to ask questions; they are
there to help in such tough situations.

For more information, or for quotes from up to 5 agents, visit InsuranceAgents.com.