Insurance Claims

Making Auto Insurance Claims

Car accidents are dizzying, scary reminders of how quickly you can lose control on the road. In the event you’re involved in a car accident, it’s essential to cool down from the scare in time to record all of the information you’ll need for your auto insurance claim. Here are some helpful steps you should memorize, or better, print and keep in your glove compartment for reference.

1. Make sure that all of the passengers in your car are physically safe. If there’s any question whether someone riding in your car has suffered a blow to the head, call 911.

2. If on the highway, pull over onto the shoulder, preferably in a well-lit region. If elsewhere, pull over to an unoccupied side street, parking lot, or gas station.

3.Pull out your insurance card and exchange insurance information with the other driver. Make certain to also get the individual’s personal contact information. If you have a cell phone, test the number before leaving the scene. Also get the contact information from witnessing passengers or bystanders, if applicable. Use this time to also take pictures—the more hard evidence, the more likely your claim will be treated fairly.

4. Call the police if it’s more than a fender bender, if you are frightened for your safety, or if you’re unsure whether the accident was a crime. Regardless of your comfort level, most accidents need to be reported as traffic violations to law enforcement.

5.If your car has been totaled or is un-drivable, make a record of where it will be towed to. Don’t be afraid to ask for directions over the phone.

6.Call your insurance company to report the accident.

With these steps in mind, you can remain calm, cool, and collected in the high-stress event of an accident.

Al Vincent’s Network of Agencies connects you with your insurance provider and answers your questions about the claims process. Fill out an online contact form and one of our agents will call at a time convenient for you.". Or, call one of our eleven Virginia locations in Suffolk, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, or Hampton.