| Being in a car accident is traumatic enough, but it can be made worse
if you are in an accident that isn't your fault and the other driver later
denies it was their fault. Now one leading insurer has issued seven tips
for motorists to help make any claim as hassle free as possible.
Financial intermediary Admiral has devised the list after looking at
the main problems its customers encounter when they are involved in an
accident. These include unproved liability and uninsured drivers. It is
advising all motorists to remember the following tips in case they are
in an accident:
- Carry a disposable camera and a pen in your car so you can photograph
damage to your car and the other driver's car. It is also useful to
photograph the general location of the accident.
- Carry copies of your insurance details and vehicle documentation,
but never the originals.
- Remain calm, polite and helpful but do not discuss responsibility
for the accident. This is the job of your insurance company.
- Get the full name and address of the other driver and try to get two
or three telephone numbers. Remember to ask them the name of their insurance
company. Pass all this information to your insurer.
- Check if the other driver's tax disk is out of date. If it is, phone
the police. An out of date tax disk could indicate an uninsured driver.
- Make a note of the make, model and colour of the car as well as the
registration number. Jot down anything else unusual you notice about
the car.
- Take the name and contact details of any independent witnesses of
the accident and pass these on to your insurance company. They could
be invaluable if the third party denies liability.
Admiral managing director, Ceri Assiratti, said: "Unfortunately
the police don't come out to all road accidents and what might seem like
a straightforward claim can become very complicated if both parties give
different versions of events. By following our advice any claim can be
made easier."
Issue date: 27-07-05
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