Had an accident, follow this car insurance claim checklist

Had an accident, follow this car insurance claim checklist.

Lists are wonderful things. I am a new convert to the altar of checklists and white board lists. I always thought they were just a waste of time for the anal retentive and control freaks of this world. Well, they are a bit of that too, but nevertheless you can’t argue with the efficiency of following a well honed plan against the risk of winging it, and seeing what happens. This is especially the case in emergencies. Soldiers and firefighters don’t spend endless hours going through drills just because they are bored and enjoy role playing. Well, there is a bit of that too, but the key point is that when an emergency hits you can’t rely on yourself to make the most logical decisions, it is better to let training and preparation do their job.

Do you think you will never need to be prepared. You think you are a great driver and just don’t get in accidents. Think again, according to America’s Safety council one out of every eight of us will be involved in an accident every year. The odds are stacked against us matey so we better start planning for an accident scenario.

This checklist is by no means comprehensive but does list some of the basic steps you must follow to make the most of a bad situation and control damages after an accident.

Step 1. Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.

Step 2. Move the car off the road, if you can, to minimize the risk of further accidents. This step might vary in some countries and states. In Nicaragua for example (and in other countries and states) moving your car after an accident is illegal. Check out your local laws and if you can get the car out of the way. If you can’t move your car, put your hazard lights on and set our emergency triangles before and after the accident zone.

Step 3. Turn the ignition off and make sure all other cars involved follow your example. Keep an eye out for petrol leaks and other flammable products that could cause a fire or explosion.

Step 4. Check for injuries on yourself and others. Prioritize the urgency of the injuries and help as much as you can and are trained for.

Step 5. Call the police and other emergency services.

Step 6. Interchange your contact details with all those involved in the accident and any potential witnesses. Fill in a claim report and make sure you get a copy from the police officer’s accident report.

Step 7. Take pictures of the accident, draw a diagram.

Step 8. Cooperate with the police and get as much information from them as you can.

Step 9. Leave the scene of the accident by car if it is safe or call for a tow truck. Once you are away from the scene of the accident call your insurance company and/or the other parties’ insurance companies.