Being in a car accident—any accident big or small—is scary and upsetting. After you’ve made sure everyone involved is safe and contacted the authorities, take a few deep breaths to clear you head before calling your insurance company.
It’s in your own best interest to cooperate with your insurance company and it’s the law in most states that you contact your insurance carrier within a few days of any accident. When you call to report an accident, keep to the facts, if there are damages to your car, if you are seeking medical treatment and when you will be available to answer questions at a later date.
Since all insurance companies are different, be sure to consult your policy for “conditions” or “duties after loss” to find out exactly what you are required to provide. You can be prepared by printing out an accident checklist and keeping it in your glove compartment just in case.
Most insurance companies will contact you within a couple of days after you report the accident and request additional information that may include:
- When and where the accident took place
- How the accident happened (just factual details)
- What vehicles were involved and how each was damaged (let them know if you took pictures of the damage)
- Contact information for all those involved in the accident and anyone who was injured
- Names and contact information for any witnesses
- The name and department of the responding police officer
Your insurer may ask you for a sworn statement about the accident and may also want information about any medical expenses and an appraisal of car repair bills.
If you don’t already have an attorney, you can search on the Internet using a term like “car accident lawyer Chicago” to find information about locating a reputable accident lawyer.
