With over 6 million auto accidents per year in the United
States alone, there's a good chance that you or someone
close to you will be involved in an auto accident at some
point. Having auto insurance is a great way to be prepared
for an auto accident. When shopping for auto insurance,
it's important to look at auto insurance rates and quotes
and do some comparing. Knowing how to proceed in the event
of an auto accident can save you time, money, and
headaches, especially if your car is damaged.
Q: What should I do if I've just had an auto accident?
A: Assuming there are no injuries, here's a checklist of
how to proceed:
1.Call 911 to report the auto accident. You'll want a copy
of a police report for any future claim, especially if the
accident was not your fault. If the damage is minor and the
other driver wants to negotiate a settlement on the spot,
be wary: You could have unseen damage. 2.Don't bother
engaging the other driver in an argument about who was at
fault - the police will handle that. 3.Write down the other
driver's name and insurance information. 4.If you have a
camera in your car, get some shots of the damage and
general accident scene. 5When you get home, call your auto
insurance company to report the accident if there will be a
claim on your policy. If the other driver was at fault and
you don't live in a "no-fault" state, contact their auto
insurance company to start the claims process.
Whether the car damage is minor or extensive, your main
goal is to get enough information in order to protect your
best interests later. And remember that honesty is the best
policy in reporting the circumstances of the auto accident.
Q: What coverage pays for damage to my car?
A: If you're at fault in an auto accident (whether you've
crashed into someone else or into a fence), you'll need
collision coverage if you want your repairs covered. If you
don't have collision coverage, you'll need to pay for
repairs out of your own pocket. Some drivers drop collision
coverage when their cars get older because the potential
cost of fixing them is more than the value of the cars.
If someone else crashes into you, their liability auto
insurance must pay for repairs to your vehicle. This is
called a "third-party" claim because you're making a claim
on their auto insurance company.
If you live in a "no-fault" state, you always make a claim
on your own policy no matter who is at fault.
Q: Do I have to use my auto insurer's body shop for repairs?
A: No, you can never be forced to use a repair shop that
your auto insurance company designates. However, you may
find it's more convenient to do so. Many auto insurance
companies have customer service programs that streamline
your claim process by handling paperwork and your rental
car from the repair shop and fully guaranteeing the work.
You can never be too prepared when it comes to an auto
accident. Hopefully, these FAQ's have given you some
helpful advice and information if you or someone you know
has to face this situation in the near future. Auto
insurance companies are there to help you sort through the
car damage and remove some of the headaches and worries for
you. Auto accidents aren't something that we like to think
about, but thinking ahead will help you and your auto rates
in the long run.
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Amy Danise is an editor for http://www.insure.com . Visit
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