How can I reduce the stress of an accident?

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A step-by-step guide to reducing the stress of an accident

Having an accident can be very upsetting to say the least. However, if you try to be prepared it will make the experience somewhat more manageable. We have prepared a guide, to help you should you be involved in an accident.

Items that you should have in your car

1. A pencil or pen and some paper, you will need this to make a note of the other driver's name, address and registration number.

2. Also have some coins in a safe place (out of site) for the telephone, you may need to call for a recovery unit or your insurance company. Keep these numbers handy.

3. Call the police if the accident is bad or if someone is injured.

4. Keep your mobile phone to hand.

5. A torch and a warning triangle, in case an accident happens at night.

6. A disposable colour camera. This can be proof of how the accident happened, and proof of what you are saying. This is especially important if you need to take action at a later date.

7. A blanket and first aid box.

Stay Calm and in Control

Stay calm and in control at all times. The situation will get worse by shouting or arguing with each other. Do not threaten or try to lay blame at any time.

Stay Alert

Do not say anything that may interfere with the settlement process. Don't ever accept responsibility, this may affect how long it takes to get a settlement with your insurance company. Remain polite and calm; simply ask about the other driver's well being, even when faced with a hostile person.

The Police

You should call the police if you have a bad accident or if you are unsure about anything. If someone is injured, the police will come to the scene and complete an accident report. This report will detail physical evidence such as the length of any skid marks, whether each car's equipment was in working order, and the point of impact of the two vehicles. They will log the time and place of the accident, the license plate numbers and descriptions of cars, and also names and addresses of the drivers and the owners of the vehicles (if not the driver). They may also interview witnesses. Don't be alarmed if the police breathalyse you, this is normal practice and you will be fine as long as you are under the legal limit.

For your own part, you should take note of the name and badge number of the officer attending the scene, along with the name of the road and junction where the accident has taken place. This will make any necessary follow up by yourself or your insurance company much easier and quicker.

Exchanging information

You should exchange full details with the other driver. This includes their name, addresses, telephone number, and insurance company. Also take their policy number if they have it to hand. If you think their are any discrepancies with the information they have provided, make sure you get the license plate number, and make and model of the other car(s) involved; the police will want this in case the other party tries to leave the scene of the accident before they arrive.

Try to get the details of witnesses if there were any.

Immediately after an accident

If the police are called, an ambulance will often be called as well, even if there do not appear to be any injuries, this is normal practice. However, if no ambulance is called you should always have a check up with your doctor. This will rule out any concussion and ensure there is a record on your notes should you have a delayed reaction after the accident.

Consider your policy excess

If your insurance policy says that you must pay the first £400 worth of any claim, you should bear this in mind when you are considering your options. If the damage to the car is around £400, it is not normally worth involving your insurance company, as any claim will normally increase your premium; you may also lose your no claims bonus. Before deciding on this, however, you should get two written estimates from reputable repairs companies.

Insurance company

If you have had no more than a minor accident, contact your insurance company immediately, that way it will not reflect badly on you should the case be taken further. The claims department of the insurance company will need all the information on the accident, both from your point of view, and that of any other parties involved. They should also be informed if the police or ambulance were called.

Your insurance company will contact their loss adjuster; they will be responsible for looking into the claim. They will probably want you to take your car to an authorised repair shop so that the can look at the damage and the repair shop will probably take pictures and send them to the loss adjuster.

If the accident was your fault, and you have comprehensive insurance the insurance company will pay for damage on both cars to be rectified. If the other party is found to be the cause of the accident, then his or her insurance company will pay for the damages. If no fault is determined, each insurance company will normally pay half.

If you have insurance and the other driver has broken the law and does not have insurance, and they are found to be at fault, your insurance company will cover the cost of the repair if you have comprehensive cover. If you do not have comprehensive cover, you may have to try and recover expenses yourself from the other party involved. You will need to start by sending them a letter and a copy of the repair bills or estimates. It will be necessary to work out a payment schedule with that person if they cannot pay the whole amount in full. If he or she refuses to pay, your only recourse will be to take them to court.

Repairs

Your insurance company will want at least one damages repair estimate from an authorised car repair shop however we recommend you also get 1-2 more quotes to get the best deal you can Click here. Remember to ask how long it will be before they can start work, and how long the job will take. If you go to one of the insurance company's authorised repair shops, they should pay the bill directly to the shop.

With thanks to uk-car-insurance-advice.co.uk with helping to provide some of this information: http://www.uk-car-insurance-advice.co.uk

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