Sometimes, car insurance claims become intimidating with lots of investigations and paperwork. However, when you know what you have to do, things become quite easier. This is the guide that will provide you with the right knowledge so you can easily file an insurance car accident claim.
Exchange details and document the accident scene
- Contact number
- Name and NRIC
- Include contact and IC details of witnesses if possible.
- Note down the plate numbers of the vehicles that are involved in the accident.
- Take out photos of the accident scenes and the damage that was caused by the accident. These images will work as evidence when estimating the insurance car accident claim amount.
Step 1:
Contact your insurer
After meeting with an accident, you need to contact your insurer. Most motor insurers provide emergency assistance. You should contact the emergency service, and if there is a need, then you can arrange a tow service by contacting them.
The hotline is 6333 2222.
Step 2:
Be ready to report it within a day
You need to make an accident report at any approved accident reporting center within 24 hours. When reporting the insurance claim, you can bring all the evidence, such as photos, along with relevant contact details that may be required for reporting.
Step 3:
Is a police report required?
If anyone sustains an injury due to an accident, if a foreign vehicle is involved, or if a government vehicle or property is involved, then it is important to report the policy within 2 days of the accident. When you go for a police report, you will be interviewed by a police officer on duty. However, it can be a nerve-wracking experience, but you need to follow these points:
You are required to stay calm and relaxed, and be sure you tell the story with clear and precise details.
After the accident, look for witnesses and exchange contact information. Remember, having a diligent report can weigh well in the process during verification of the fault.
Do’s and Don’ts
Steps to take after an accident
- Exchange contact details and particulars of parties involved. Also, note down the vehicle numbers.
- Take photos of the accident scene, including the damage photos.
- Call the insurer hotline number.
- Report the accident to the insurer within 24 hours
- If there are injured parties, then call for police and medical assistance.
- Make a traffic police report as soon as possible and include all the details like the damage caused to the car, to the government property, fatality, foreign vehicle, pedestrian, Hit and run case, and so on.
Don’ts
- Do not move your vehicle before taking photographs of the accident scene.
- If there is a fatal accident or someone is injured, then please don’t attempt to move the injured person or vehicle.
- According to MCF, motorists are advised not to have any dealings with unauthorized tow truck operators at the accident scene.
Conclusion:
Accidents happen at any time and when we least expect them, and the impact of an accident is really huge, causing victims to struggle with lots of things, including loss of income, medical bills, and, of course, emotional distress. Now, with the help of the familiar steps written above, you can easily handle the complex process of personal injury car accident settlement.
