Auto Insurance Accidents - Your Top Ten Requirements

Your actions after being involved in a car accident causing serious injury should differ than one where there are no injuries or minor property damage.  Immediate first aid and acquiring professional medical attention for injured persons should be the main focus after a serious accident.  Regardless of the injuries or damages sustained in an auto accident, remaining calm is helpful.  Intense emotions such as panic or anger are unhelpful after an accident. 

Every automobile insurance policy will contain a section aptly named “duties after an accident or loss.”  All auto insurance companies have similar requirements, for the policyholder or claimant, after an accident or loss.

1. Cooperation with the auto insurance company concerning any claim or law suit brought against them.
   
   
   
2. Any reasonable request, from the insurance company, for written proof of loss must be provided.
   
   
   
3. Sworn statements, recorded statements, and examinations under oath, from the policyholder or claimant, are required when requested by the insurance company.
   
   
   
4. Documents and records related to the accident or loss must be provided when requested by the insurance company.
   
   
   
5. If a claim or law suit is made against you, then prompt notification to the insurance company is required.
   
   
   
6. Appearance at hearings and trials, related to a law suit from an accident or loss your involved in, is required by the insurance company.
   
   
   
7. Protection of your vehicle, after an accident or loss, from further damage is required (reasonable expenses incurred will be reimbursed). 
   
   
   
8. Before damages to any vehicle arising out of an accident or loss are repaired, allow the insurance company to inspect and appraise the damages.
   
   
   
9. Reasonably allow doctors, selected by the insurance company, to perform examinations when injuries are involved.
   
   
   
10. Provide authorization to the insurance company to gather any medical or other records related to the auto accident or loss.
    
    

A little preparation before a car accident or loss occurs will make it less stressful.  Keep a pen or pencil and something to write on in your car to record names, addresses, license plates, insurance information, and the facts of the accident or loss.  Keep your insurance policy identification card in the car. Read your auto insurance policy before an accident or loss happens.