The most important thing to do when you have been involved in an automobile accident is to make sure that you seek whatever medical attention necessary. If you have assessed the situation and do not need to seek treatment immediately the second step is to gather information from the other party, name, address, phone number, vehicle information and insurance information, including policy number. If the police are on scene, remember the police department name and report number if available. Obtaining all these things right at the scene of the accident will make filing your claim easier. If you are unable to get all of the aforementioned, most importantly remember the police department so your adjuster can order the police report to get any additional information.
Third, determine whether you want to file a claim with your insurance company. If you are at fault, you are obligated to file a claim with your company, at least for the other party's damages. If you are not at fault, you may want to file a claim only with the at fault party's insurance company. Calling your company, even just for reporting purposes, will generate a claim, and you will have to go thru multiple steps with your adjuster in order to close the claim.
Fourth, time to file the claim, you can find the phone number to file the claim on your insurance card, if you do not have this available, you can also call your agent or find it online. Some companies will give you the option to file the claim online. It is important to file the claim as soon as possible. This will help get repairs to the vehicles timely and ensure you do not forget any important details. You will need to have all of the information you obtained at the scene with you when filing the claim.
The last step will be talking with the insurance adjuster. If a claim has been filed with both insurance companies, you will need to give a recorded statement to both adjusters, this will go over a lot of the information you've already given. They will then determine liability and begin the process of getting the vehicles repaired. Each company has different shops they work with on a regular basis, but you will also be able to choose the shop of your choice if you feel more comfortable with one you know.
If you have specific questions, or feel the process is not going smoothly you may want to contact a qualified attorney in your area.
