Our job is to see that your claim is handled quickly and fairly and that you are never out of the loop. Practices and procedures vary somewhat depending on the type of insurance and the insurance company, but you let us worry about that. In most cases we can let you know well in advance what to expect and will be able to make sure that everything is on track.
If you ever need us we’re just a phone call away: (828) 328-5671.
What to Do After a Car Accident
- Immediately following an accident, make sure that no one is injured, either a passenger in your car, in other vehicles, and don’t forget about pedestrians or others who may have been nearby.
- Move to a place of safety, away from traffic.
- Do not admit fault, no matter the accident circumstances, and do not discuss the accident with anyone other than your insurance company and the police.
- If there are no police on the scene, call them to file a report, even if the accident takes place in a parking lot or seems minor.
- Get instructions from the police on how to obtain a copy of the accident report.
- Record the accident details, including place, time of day, and description of damages to your vehicle, other vehicles, and other property. (TIP: use your smart phone camera to take pictures of damage)
- Get the information below from the other driver(s) and anyone else involved.
- Name
- Address
- Phone Number
- Drivers License Number (for drivers involved)
- License Plate State and Number (state involved)
- VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) – often on a metal plate on the dash or driver’s side door frame
(TIP: use your smart phone camera to take pictures of license plates, drivers licenses and the accident scene from multiple perspectives)
- Contact your insurance company as soon as possible with the information above, as well as your own drivers’ license and vehicle license information.
- If you need any help or guidance, please contact us.
What You Need to Do After a Homeowner Loss
- If a loss involves fire, flood, or another dangerous situation, make sure all family members and pets are safe and accounted for.
- If a homeowner loss involves property damage, take practical steps to prevent further damage. For instance, if windows are broken, board them up. The extra cost of preventing further damage is actually included in homeowner insurance policies.
- If and when you can safely do so, take an inventory of damaged and destroyed personal property.
- If there is ever any doubt about whether a small accident will result in a claim, file a claim with your insurance company. Minor dog bites and slip-and-fall accidents are in this category; failure to promptly report a claim could result in denial of coverage.
- Contact your insurance company as soon as possible with the claim details.
- If you need help with any of this, please contact us.