Here is the gist of an email I sent to a client who added her newly licensed teenage daughters to the policy. It's good information for us long time drivers as well. We could all use a refresher about what to do in case of an accident.
"Many folks prefer to carry the ID card in their wallet however I have been suggesting that it may be wiser to carry the card in your wallet and keep nothing with your home address in the car. This cuts down on the risk that someone who steals your vehicle will have access to your home address.
Please keep my (your agent) email address and phone number handy as well as your insurance company's numbers. You should enter the information into your cell phone.
When you call my toll-free number you will be given the opportunity to be transferred to me or you can leave me a voicemail after hours which will be routed to me wherever I am.
If you are ever involved in an accident remember safety first:
- If it's not safe to stop (darkness, traffic) don't stop until it is.
- Don't get out of your vehicle if it has been disabled and you're still in traffic, again safety first.
- Be cordial and exchange information but don't admit fault or get into the details except with a law enforcement officer.
- Call me or your insurance company as soon as you are in a safe comfortable place. It's not necessary to call from the scene of an accident.
- If it is convenient take a few cell phone photos, especially if you are not at fault, to support the facts of the accident.
- Obtain names and phone numbers of anyone willing to be a witness on your behalf (if law enforcement completes a police report they usually do this).
- When you are in a safe and comfortable place right down the facts of the accident (date, time, location, how it happened and who was involved- what the other driver said- passengers in his vehicle) which can be distorted with time.
- You will want to eventually get a copy of the police report to verify accuracy and to support your facts.
It seems as though hit and run accidents are on the increase. If you are victim of a hit and run accident don't attempt to chase the offending party. Remember a description of the vehicle and the license plate number as well as any other details like damage and number of passengers. Call the police as soon as you are safely parked.
Damon Castillo