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There are approximately three hundred million vehicles on the road in the United States today. Based on sheer numbers alone, the odds of your having an accident make it imperative that you understand how to file an insurance claim. This article covers the basic facts about filing an auto insurance claim.

The first step in filing a claim begins at the scene of the accident. In order to file an insurance claim you must call the police as soon as an accident occurs and file an accident report. Once you’ve checked to see that everyone is OK and while waiting for the police to arrive you and the other driver, assuming you’re both in any condition to do so, should exchange information. This includes your vehicle registration, your driver’s license, your auto insurance ID, phone numbers and addresses and any other relevant information.

If possible you should also get the license plate number of the other vehicle and the name and contact information for other driver’s auto insurance company. This additional information is extremely important for your own auto insurance claim.

Most likely, though not always, there will be other people present at the scene of the accident. If any of them saw the accident happen, they can serve as witnesses who can testify to what happened and help prove the validity of your insurance claim. Get their names, addresses, and phone numbers, and ask them what they saw. This information should be turned over to your insurance agency when you file your claim.

While one hopes never to have to use it, it’s a good idea to carry a disposable camera with you when you drive. In the event of an accident you can take pictures at the scene and include them in your insurance claim. Also, make sure to keep copies for your own records. At the same time, you should remember: never say you were at fault at the scene of an accident. Gather your information and allow it to be analyzed by the authorities, then allow them and the insurance companies decide who was at fault.

Once you’ve documented as much as you can and exchanged information with the other driver, you must call your insurance company immediately. It’s something few people think about when filing an insurance claim, but you should know that many companies may even send an agent to the scene of the accident itself. If this service is not offered by your insurance company then just contact them as quickly as possible.

Finally, if they are unable to get to the scene of the accident the auto insurance company will send an agent to your home to take a look at the damage to your vehicle. You’ll need to make arrangements to be at home when they arrive so that they can get your take on what happened. After this, the process runs its course, though you may also be asked to explain how the accident occurred in a recorded phone conversation. Remember, there’s no need to be nervous. It’s just part of the process with auto insurance claims.

Graham McKenzie is the content syndication coordinator for Carinsurancesa.co.za, a leading South African car insurance portal.

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