Checklist For Dealing With Auto Accident Insurance

You've just been in a car accident. You're feeling stressed, but unfortunately you need to deal with your auto accident insurance claim right away. To help you out, here's a checklist on what to do.

Before an accident strikes, you should be familiar with your policy and what it covers. Make sure you know how much liability coverage you have (damage to others), and what your deductible is (amount you've agreed to pay in case of accidents).
Stay at the site of the accident. Call your insurance company's 800 number ASAP. It's even better if the police are there to give info and help out with details. Try to stick to the facts instead of giving your opinion. You should let your insurance company know immediately if you are sued.
Note the following: date, time, street and city, weather conditions, driving direction and speed, license plates, driver's licenses. The other driver must, under law (Vehicle Code Section 16025), give you their insurance information. If they don't they may be fined up to $250 dollars plus penalty assessments.
Evidence: Get a Police Report. At the site, you can ask the investigating officer for one. If you can, take pictures of the vehicles and any injuries. Get witnesses to give you their info in case you need their testimonies later.
Paperwork: Your insurance company should agree to pay before you make any repairs. Also, check to see if there is a specific repair shop you have to go to. Keep all receipts and bills for expenses related to the accident (repairs, medical costs, etc).
Technicalities: Check to see if you have more than one policy that covers your accident. If your car is totaled, keep in mind that your car's value may have decreased due to depreciation (age, mileage, use).

An auto accident can be a traumatizing experience. Don't make it worse than it needs to be, keep yourself informed in case it ever happens.

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