We understand that car insurance may get very expensive, however, it is compulsory for your car to be on the road. The reason behind a car insurance is because we cannot avoid certain accidents on the road. But regardless of whose fault it is, the first thing to always do is to remain calm! An insurance claim can be a very tedious affair and not everyone knows how to do it. In this article, we will provide you with a car insurance claim guide, so you know what you need to do when you get into an accident.
Getting into an accident with another driver
If you are the victim, you can choose to either settle it privately which means you claim against the person that banged into you or you can get your insurance company to claim against their insurance company.
However, if you are the cause of the accident, take note that it may affect your NCD if insurers get involved.
Regardless, if you ever collide with another driver here are the steps to follow:
1. Don’t move the vehicle unnecessarily
By moving the car, you are giving the other driver’s insurance company a chance to dispute your claim. However, if the accident happened on a highway or in the middle of the road, move it to safety.
2. Submit your insurance claim report
Remember to report the accident within 24 hours of the incident. Most insurance companies have a reporting deadline, so don’t leave it until the last minute to report the accident. Otherwise, it may be too late to report your accident and process your claim.
Different insurers will have different methods of making a claim. Call your insurer’s 24-hour hotline at the scene of the accident to ask what you should do.
3. Call a tow truck if you need
If your car has been damaged to the point where it can no longer be driven, you will need to call a tow truck to transport it. Many car insurance companies insist that you only hire tow trucks that are affiliated with them. As a result, using any other towing agency to transfer your vehicle could result in your claim being denied.
4. Take photos
Following an accident, you should take thorough, clear photographs of the accident area as well as any vehicles involved. Best if you can take a few close up and wide shots. This way, you should be able to describe the accident scene and context using these photos.
If you have a dashboard camera, all the better! Regardless of the angle, one video that demonstrates who was at fault for the accident can be more informative than a dozen images.
Don’t have a dashboard camera? We suggest that you should consider investing in one!
5. Collect details of the other driver
Besides the driver’s contact details since you will need to make a claim against him, you also need the following details:
- Driver names of all involved
- NRIC numbers
- Address of driver/drivers
- Car insurance company of vehicles involved
6. Fix your car at an authorised workshop
Most of the insurance companies have a list of authorised car workshops and it would be advisable to go to an authorised workshop after an accident. Going to an authorised workshop has the advantage of knowing what kind of paperwork you’ll have to submit for your claim when the repairs are finished.
Additionally, a workshop that is authorized is more convenient than an unauthorised one. The assessment time may be longer for an unauthorised workshop compared to an authorized one. In turn, this simply increases the repair time.
A surveyor must be sent down to the unauthorised workshop you have chosen so the insurer can assess further the damage. All repairs must also be approved by the surveyor before the workshop starts on the repairs, which takes time.
Getting into an accident on your own
If your car is lightly scratched or has a small dent, you can choose to have it fixed without involving your insurer. However, if the damage is quite severe, you must make a decision.
1. Is it worth the loss of your No Claim Discount (NCD)
Making a claim will result in you losing 30% of your NCD, which will adversely affect your premiums the following year. If your no-claim discount is above 30%, it might not be worth making a car insurance claim.
2. The car insurance excess
Find out your excess! If your excess is higher than the cost of repairs, you will probably have to fork out 100% of the repair costs out of your own pocket, which defeats the purpose of claiming.
Do your own calculations and see which one is more worth it. Let’s make the best out of this situation by searching for the most suitable car insurance for your needs. UDRIVERS can get you the best motor insurance coverage at a lower price. Contact us now if you have any enquiries regarding your NCD or to get a quote.
