How to Handle Insurance After an Automobile Accident
Automobile crashes are on the rise.
The first six months of 2021 saw the largest spike in automobile deaths ever reported, a nearly 20% increase from the same time period in 2020.
It’s important that you feel safe and prepared for how to handle an automobile accident if one were to occur. Here are a few important steps to follow:
Get Yourself & Others to Safety
First things first, make sure that all parties involved in the accident are safe and out of harm’s way.
Always Call 911
Whether it’s a small fender bender or a head-on collision, make sure to call 911. Police ensure that the entire accident was documented properly, and in some cases, your insurance provider will ask for the police report.
Exchange Information
The Insurance Information Institute recommends exchanging all information with the parties involved in the collision. This includes:
- Full name and contact information
- Drivers license and license plate number
- Vehicle details
- Insurance policy number
Document ALL of the Information
Along with exchanging information, you want to make sure to document all information at the scene. This will streamline the claims process. Here is what the Insurance Information Institute recommends documenting on the scene:
- Name and badge of the officers that attend to the scene
- A copy of the accident report from the police officers
- Photos from all angles of the accident
- Names and contact information of anyone involved/ any eyewitnesses
Start the Claims Process
When talking to clients, we recommend starting the claims process on the site of the accident. That way your insurer can help guide you through any steps that you might’ve missed in the moments right after the accident.
Consider Commercial Umbrella Insurance
As an extra preventative measure, we recommended investing in commercial umbrella insurance. Commercial umbrella insurance provides an extra layer of protection for general liability, automobile liability, and the employers’ liability part of workers’ compensation. With lawsuits on the rise around automobile accidents, the demands are becoming substantially higher, causing the need for an umbrella policy to protect all business assets.
Keep these tips handy! It may be helpful to print out this post and keep it in your glove box or somewhere easily accessible. Your safety and security are our top priority at Snellings Walters. If you have any additional questions, we would be happy to help answer them.