How to File a Claim After Hitting Your Own Car?
4 Answers
Call your insurance company immediately. If the accident involves injuries, you also need to notify the traffic police department to come to the scene for liability determination. The vehicle owner should provide their insurance documents, driver's license, vehicle registration certificate, and ID card. The insurance adjuster will visit the repair shop or 4S store to assess the damage and verify the repair costs of the parts.
Last week, I accidentally hit a roadside tree while driving and panicked a bit at the time. After getting out of the car, I first checked if I or anyone around was injured. Once safety was ensured, I immediately turned on the hazard lights and set up the warning triangle. Then, I quickly took photos with my phone, making sure to capture clear images of the damaged parts of the vehicle, the scene environment, and road conditions. Next, I called the insurance company's customer service. They asked about the time and location of the accident, what I hit, and the extent of the damage, and recorded my policy number and ID information. After that, I waited for them to send an adjuster to inspect the scene and provide a detailed written report. When it came to repairs, I chose one of their partnered repair shops, which made the insurance settlement very convenient. The key to the entire claims process is not to delay—contacting them within 24 hours is the safest bet. Although the premium might increase afterward, ensuring safety is the most important thing.
The steps for filing a claim after crashing your own car are quite straightforward. First, immediately stop the car, turn off the engine, engage the handbrake, and turn on the hazard lights to ensure safety. Then, take photos for evidence, capturing both the overall scene and the specific damage. If there are no injuries, there's no need to call the police; otherwise, dial 122 to report the incident for record. Next, contact your insurance company by phone, briefly describe the accident, and provide the license plate number, policy number, and driver's license information as instructed. They will arrange for an adjuster to come to the scene or direct you to a specified inspection location. While waiting, do not move the vehicle to avoid complicating the issue. After the insurance company assesses the damage, they will determine the claim amount, and you just need to sign to confirm. It's recommended to use the insurance company's approved repair shops for hassle-free service. Remember to document all communication details to prevent disputes later on.
Whether to file a claim depends on the extent of the damage. For minor scratches, repairing it yourself may cost less, as filing a claim could lead to a premium increase that might not be cost-effective. However, for significant damage, first ensure safety by taking photos and videos of the vehicle and the scene. Call your insurance company to explain the situation and prepare documents like the policy and driver's license. After the insurance adjuster assesses the damage, fill out and submit the forms, and they will review the compensation. Choose a trusted repair shop to avoid additional charges and keep the invoice for reference. Experience tells me not to rush to file a claim for minor accidents, but to act quickly for major ones to ensure a smooth claims process.
