Auto Insurance Faqs: Accidents Happen
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.