You don’t expect to have a car accident when you get behind the wheel, but you never know what will happen. The best way to stay safe is to prepare yourself for every eventuality, including knowing what to do if you get in an accident. At Morin Insurance Agency, we do more than just provide you with auto insurance in NH. We are also here to make sure you know what to do if you’re involved in an accident and need to file a claim.
Here’s what you should do if you are involved in a car accident.
Do You Need To Call 911?
Check if you or your passengers are injured and call 911 for medical assistance if necessary. Once you’ve confirmed that everyone in your car is okay, move your car out of the way of traffic. You should only exit your car if it is safe to do so and you are not in danger of any passing traffic.
You should then notify the police that there has been an accident and provide your location as accurately as possible. If the accident has rendered your car undriveable, contact roadside assistance, which may be covered by your insurance, depending on your policy.
Information Exchange Checklist: What To Do Before You Leave The Scene
After a car accident, there is a lot of information you need to gather, and it can be hard to remember everything. Save this list to your phone or keep it handy in your wallet or glove compartment.
Also be aware of the importance of photos or witnesses. Drivers can leave the accident scene and report further damage that may be false. Photos act as evidence when filing your insurance claim.
You And Any Drivers Involved Must Exchange The Following Information.
- Contact information with the other driver(s) as well as any possible witnesses
- Insurance provider and policy number
- Vehicle details (Make, Model, Year)
- License plate numbers
Photos And Videos
When documenting damage, you want to gather as much information as you can.
- Take full-body photos and videos of the damage to all the cars involved in the accident, even if there appears to be no damage.
- Take pictures of skid marks on the road or any damage to nearby property as a result of the accident.
- Take photos of the other person’s driver’s license.
When Police Arrive On Site
Some insurance companies may require an official police report to be made to file your claim. Ask for an accident report number with the police, the name of the officer who assisted you, and the police department they work for.
If you are unsure whether your insurance provider requires this, it’s better to be overprepared.
After information is exchanged and the claim has been made, your insurance provider will contact you shortly for further action.
With Morin Auto Insurance, Too Much Information Is Better Than None
You may not know what comes next, but being prepared with Morin’s Auto Insurance can make all the difference. Our goal is to make the process as simple and stress-free as possible. With this checklist you can navigate the next steps and make your claim with ease.
If you need auto insurance in NH, contact Morin Insurance at (603) 875-1200 or get a quote through our website.
