4 Tips on how to Make an Insurance Claim After a car Accident

It's been what can only be described as one of the worst days of your life. When you got behind the wheel of your Mazda Mx5 this morning, you were not prepared for the turmoil that would occur. As you were driving to work, though, the car in front of you suddenly lost control, and you found yourself in an accident. Thankfully, no one was harmed badly, but there are car parts littering the motorway and you aren't sure what to do next.

The steps you'll need to take are:

• Make sure you're in a safe location. Get out of the road immediately if you haven't already. Other drivers may not see you in time and additional harm could come to you or your car.

• Phone the police using your mobile phone or the closest emergency phone. These phones are located about every mile along the side of the motorway. While this typically isn't necessary for minor accidents, they do need to be called in the event of a serious accident, where parts of the motorway may need to be shut down or the persons involved are injured in any way.

• Concentrate on the details. Exchange insurance information with the other individual or individuals involved. This will be important when it comes to filing your insurance claim.

Filing a motor insurance claim may not be at the top of your to-do list, but it is extremely important after you've been in a car accident. There's a reason that car insurance is mandatory in the UK. It protects you, other individuals on the road (both drivers and pedestrians,) and your car by providing you with the financial compensation necessary to pay for any damage done to the vehicle or you. The minimum amount required covers you if you are responsible for injuring a person or animal or damaging a vehicle or property during a car accident.

Filing the claim isn't that difficult, either. Here are a few things that will need to be considered after the accident.

Filing a Car Insurance Claim

• Take Notes- Pretend for a moment that you're a detective, and everything involved in the accident has to be documented- because it does. Write down as much as possible about the accident from your point of view. Write down what happened, the location, the circumstances leading up to the accident, and the weather that day. The insurance company will want to know everything. Don't wait, either. Jot all of this down while it is fresh in your mind. If the police are involved, ask for an incident number, which will be required by the insurer when you file the claim. Take pictures as well. Photographing the accident will allow the insurer to see that what you say is true and will give them a better idea of the damage.

• Let Your Insurer Know- Once you've reached a safe place and have informed the police of the accident, contact your insurance company as soon as possible. This should be done first by phone, then with a letter that confirms the accident. When you speak to a representative, make sure to take note of their name and write it, the date, and the time down. When you speak to the insurance company, it is also advisable to have your notes handy with you. This way, if the representative has you repeat information, you can keep your story consistent so it is taken more seriously. This can speed up the process. Keep a hard copy of everything you send to the insurer and receive from them as well.

• Be Patient- Don't immediately jump online and buy the Mx5 parts you need, even if you have the money to do so. The insurance company may take a little while to get back to you, but the wait is worth it. After all, in some cases, the damage to your car may be so bad that the insurance company may not be willing to allow the car back on the road again. They may classify it as a Cat A car, which can only be broken down and crushed, or a Cat B car, which can only be used for spare car parts. They may even refuse to pay the claim. If this happens, know your rights. You can appeal.

• Pay Attention to the Rules- Once you do receive your cheque from the insurance company for accident, make sure to purchase quality Mx5 parts to replace those that damaged in the accident. Keep in mind that the right car parts will help your Mazda perform better on the road and will help you pass the MOT. After you've done this, pay attention to your insurance company's rules. They may only allow you to go to certain garages to have the car fixed.

Get the Right Insurance

While third party insurance is required by law, it may not be the best option for you. After all, this type of insurance will only help you if you cause damage to another person, animal, property, or vehicle. The truth is, this insurance doesn't even cover the cost of repairing your own Mx5 parts. You simply have to hope that the other individual involved has the right insurance coverage.

For all of life's 'ifs,' there's comprehensive insurance. This type of insurance covers you in almost every situation. It provides you with financial compensation for damage to others and their property, damage to you and your car, and even fire and theft. Some insurance companies even offer more with their comprehensive plans, including legal protection and a courtesy car to drive while yours is being repaired.

If you are ever in a car accident, knowing exactly what to do is essential. Take a deep breath and keep as calm as possible, then get to safety. Once you're there, you can make your phone calls to the police and insurance company and begin taking notes on the damage that has occurred. With a little luck, these steps, along with the right insurance, will help you get back on the road as quickly as possible.