A Smooth Claims Process is No Accident

An auto accident is a very jarring experience and most people are often unsure about what information to collect from the other party or parties involved. Accidents are frustrating in nature and lack of pertinent information can lead to delays in settling your claim which only adds to those feelings of frustration. The following is a list of information you should be sure to obtain after an accident to help ensure a smooth claims process.

• License Information. This should include the full name, license number, date of birth, and address of the driver. Be sure you obtain this information as the vehicle owner is not always the driver.

• Registration Information. Note the year, make, model, plate number, and color of the vehicle, as well as the insurance company if listed. Be sure you look at the vehicle itself to verify that the registration belongs to the vehicle involved in the accident. You will also want to take down the name and address of the owner listed on the registration in case the driver is not the owner.

• Location. Record the location of the accident. Be sure you have the street address if possible, or note the landmarks if no street number is available. Be sure to get the names of both streets if you are at an intersection.

• Passengers. Note the names and addresses of any passengers in the other vehicle. At the very least, be sure you know how many are in the vehicle so that you can make your insurance carrier aware. This information may be necessary if there are injuries from the accident.

Provide this information to your insurance carrier or agent as quickly as possible so they can get the claims process started right away. The more information you can provide, the fewer complications and delays you’ll have. And don’t forget to provide your license and vehicle information to the other party involved so they can get the claims process started on their end as well. Insurance carriers talk to one another during a claim, so if one side has information and the other does not, the claim can be delayed.

If the police are involved, they will typically give out an accident exchange form which will provide most of this information for each party involved. Share this information with your carrier or agent so they can file the claim for you.

Have you ever been involved in an accident? Did you know which steps to take to get the claims process started quickly? Tell us your story in the comments section below.

For more about what to do after a car accident, watch our video above.