How to Claim Compensation for Property Damage Caused by a Car Accident?
3 Answers
Report to the insurance company and the traffic police team. Generally, the traffic police team will first mediate. If mediation fails, the involved party can initiate a lawsuit. After a car damages property, compensation must be paid according to the amount of the loss. If there is any dispute or confusion regarding the compensation, a lawyer can be entrusted to assist in handling the matter.
Last month, I accidentally scraped against a roadside railing while driving, bending the metal bar. I immediately stopped the car, turned on the hazard lights, and got out to inspect the scene. No one was injured, but there was obvious property damage. I promptly called 110 to report the incident. The police arrived and conducted an accident assessment, while I took multiple photos with my phone: the scratches on the car's front, the deformed railing, and the overall road conditions, all as evidence. After reporting to the police, I contacted my car insurance company, providing the accident report number and photos. The insurance company sent an adjuster to assess the damage and determined it was a full coverage claim, covering the railing repair costs of approximately 2,000 yuan. The entire process took about a week. The key is not to flee or conceal the incident, as that could lead to fines and credit repercussions. I always remind myself to stay focused while driving to minimize accidents, and I know the proper procedures to follow if something happens.
When my car damages property, I generally follow these steps for material damage claims: First, stop the car, turn off the engine to ensure safety, and do not move anything at the scene. Second, take photos or videos to document the damaged area, surrounding environment, and license plate number. Third, report the accident—if it involves public facilities or severe damage, call the police; for minor property damage, you can directly report it to the insurance company. Fourth, notify the insurance company, providing accident details and evidence. They will verify the policy coverage, including third-party property damage. Fifth, cooperate with the damage assessment—after the insurance company sends an adjuster to evaluate the loss, they will issue compensation. The entire process is transparent and efficient. I always keep copies of everything to avoid future disputes. Remember, acting promptly can save trouble—for example, take clear photos to facilitate the claims process.
