A road accident can come unannounced. Here’s the best course of action you can undertake if you get involved in an accident, and how to claim vehicle insurance
1. Stop the Car
If you’re in a car accident, you have to stop at the scene. Even if it’s a minor accident, don’t leave, as you could face legal action. Stay calm and avoid arguing with the other driver.
2. Check for Injury
First, check for injuries. Start by checking yourself for any injuries, then check others. Assess the level of injury for everyone involved in the accident. Also, check if any bystanders were injured so you can claim compensation through third party car insurance.
3. Get Immediate Medical Help
If someone has minor injuries, you should provide first aid as soon as possible. Your car has a basic first aid kit for minor injuries. If someone is seriously injured or non-responsive, call an ambulance right away. Remember to take care of your own body and seek medical advice if needed.
4. Contact Your Insurance Company
Remember to contact your car insurance company as soon as you’ve helped the injured. Call the company that provides your car insurance and report the accident. Provide them with detailed and honest information about the damages to your car and any damages to a third party. Giving incorrect information could result in your claim being rejected, so be sure to be completely truthful.
5. File a Police FIR
If you’re in a car accident, make sure to inform the police right away. You’ll also need to fill out a report, called a First Information Report (FIR), if you’re making an insurance claim involving another person. Keep a copy of the FIR to give to your insurance company when you file your claim.
6. Take Photos
Remember to take clear photos of the damages at the accident site for the insurance company. Photograph the damage to your car, the other party’s property, and the accident location from all angles. Clear photos will help the insurance claim process go smoothly.
7. Submit Documents & File a Claim
After reporting the incident, you will need to submit some documents to file a claim for your car accident. The required documents are valid driving license copy, Police FIR copy, RC copy, car insurance documents, and repair estimates.
8. Repair Your Car
Before repairing your car, the insurance company may send someone to check how much repair work is needed. Then you can get your car fixed at the authorized garage of the insurance company. The insurance company will arrange for your damaged car to be towed. You can also choose to get your car fixed at a garage that is not authorized and ask the insurance company to pay you back for the costs.
9. Car Insurance Claim Settlement
After your car is fixed, your insurance company will pay the network garage directly if it’s a cashless claim. If you choose a non-network garage, the insurance company will reimburse you after you pay for the repairs. Keep all repair bills and receipts for an easy reimbursement process.
10. Choosing a Vehicle Insurance Policy
Remember, car accidents can be distressing. If you insure your vehicle with a car insurance policy, you can save yourself from heavy repair costs. Purchasing at least a third-party car insurance policy is mandatory, but you can also choose a comprehensive policy to cover your car as well as third-party liabilities in case of an accident.
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