After accident

What to do after a car accident - Seven Stress - Free Steps

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You may not want to hear this, but your chances of being in an accident and having to file a claim at some point in your life are pretty good. Car accidents happen every minute of every day. In fact, there were an estimated 6 million accidents in 2010 alone. So it pays to have a dependable auto insurance company, like 21st Century Insurance, and a good understanding of what you need to do after a car accident before you file an auto claim.

If you find yourself involved in an accident, don't panic. Take a deep breath, make sure you are not hurt, and follow these steps on what to do in the event of a car accident:

1. Call the police (911 in most areas).Make sure to report any injuries to you or anyone else.

2. Write down the other car's make, model, and plate number. Get the driver's name, address, and license number. Get the owner's name, too. Most states require drivers to have an insurance identification card in the vehicle and it will provide most of this information.

3. Write down the names and addresses of any passengers and witnesses.

4. Do not admit to guilt, do not accept money from another driver and do not agree to forget about a minor accident.

5. Write down what happened. Include the time of day, weather conditions, hazards, road conditions and your driving speed. Make a note of damage to your car and the other vehicles.

6. When the police arrive, make sure to get the officer's name and badge number. Ask how you can obtain a copy of the police report for your insurance claim.

7. Once you collect this information, call your insurance company as soon as possible.

Many insurance companies have 24-hour claims service by phone, so you can call your insurer right from the scene if the opportunity presents itself. At 21st Century Insurance, you can contact HelpPoint Claim Services at (888)244-6163 for any claim need. Make sure to have your insurance ID card handy in order to provide the policy number.

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