Making a claim – Helpful hints to get back on the road quicker

By , last updated on May 8th, 2012

A quick guide to making a claim

This guide will show you the basics of claiming on your insurance

No one ever really hopes to need to use their insurance, but there are some cases where you may have to take advantage of the policy that you are paying for. If you are in a collision, you will need to take certain steps to ensure that the insurance company is able to process your claims. Many insurance companies offer claims support around the clock, and this can be helpful to you if you are involved in an accident in an odd hour of the night.

Keep Your Information Up-to-Date

You should always make sure that you can contact your insurance company when necessary to report a complaint or to request roadside assistance.

One of the most important things for you to do before you are in an accident is to ensure that the company that provides your insurance has all relevant and accurate information on your vehicle, your personal history, and your driving history. If you make changes or enhancements to your vehicle, for example, a car insurance company can terminate or void your policy if you do choose to file a claim for any reason. TO ensure that you are able to use your cover when you need it, make sure that you update your information regularly with your insurance company especially if you make any changes to your policy.

Always report a road accident

Reporting a road accident immediately is vital to making a claim

Report the Accident as Soon as Possible

Once you are involved in an accident, make sure to contact your insurance company straight away so that they can begin processing your claim. Once the insurance company has been informed of your accident, they should also provide you with information on how to proceed. Once you are equipped with the necessary information, you will be able to begin the legal process and ensure that you are properly compensated for any damages that are incurred in the accident. Depending on the type of policy that you have, you may need to pay for some of the damages that are not covered under your policy. This is why it is important to know exactly what your policy will cover before you purchase it because many times, you may get involved in an unforeseen event.

Pay Your Excess and Stay on Track

With most insurance policies, you will be required to pay a pre-determined amount of money before you will be able to be compensated for the rest of the damages. This number is called the excess on your insurance policy, and you will need to put that money toward the damages before your insurance company will pay for the rest. Once you have paid this amount, your insurance should immediately begin making payment on the rest. Your insurance company should take care of any damages that were made to another car, and this will allow you to stay on track.

Take Notes of Your Accident

Take notes of your accident

Taking notes helps jog your memory when it comes to making a claim.

When you are describing the accident to your insurance company, you will need to provide as much detail as possible. If you are able to jot down a few notes to help you remember, you can often give a much more accurate representation of the accident so that the insurance company can ensure that you are actually at fault in the accident. If you are not sure that you are at fault, you can often have it contested in a court of law. However, there are legal fees associated with this process, but it can actually help save you money in the long run on premiums, excesses, and with a no claims discount. For these reasons, it is beneficial for you to appeal that you are at fault if you truly believe that you were not.