Hands are clenched on the steering wheel, emergency braking, tire squealing and shock ... (more or less violent)! To start, no need to insult the other driver involved in the accident. After seeing the damage to your auto and / or that of the opposing party, it should treat the statement of claim that you will send to the insurer. Here's how.
What is a disaster?
any event resulting in property damage and / or injury per accident means: it may as well be a stone hitting the windscreen as an accident resulting in injury. Remember that the most common claims are those with property damage and glass breakage.
The main claims are:
Glass breakage (windscreen, headlights, side windows ...)
Snap or accident, with consequences ranging from the crumpled metal with injury
Theft, whatever the circumstances (with or without violence). In all cases, remove as soon as possible pre-complaint line and confirm it as soon as possible to the police
Fire (whether due to mechanical failure or vandalism)
When to notify his insurer?
The rule is simple: you have to report to your insurer ALL sinister, even the less serious (eg shock front at 5 km / h in traffic).
Note that in case of glass breakage (excluding lighthouses or sunroof), the procedure is slightly if your company has a partner network of specialists: after notifying the customer service (it is not mandatory everywhere but this is preferable), you go to the repairman, who performs repair without having to move in addition (except a possible franchise). When a repair resin injection proves to be sufficient (rather than replacing a windscreen), it's usually free. Another advantage, most repairers can get to your home or your workplace.
Do not report to keep his bonus?
In the case of light damage, it often happens that two motorists decide to arrange them so that the manager sets the amount of compensation in order not begin its bonus (or worsen its penalties).
Caution, however, we must be absolutely certain that the damage is not serious. Indeed, if you have underestimated the severity of the damage and an estimate of the hotel clearly proves higher than you expected, the risk is that the motorist supposed to address the repairs finally changes his mind. And there, difficult to play defense clause / appeal your insurance policy ...
When report a loss?
A claim must be made to the insurer within 5 days, the ideal is still to start with preventing the insurer immediately by phone.
The flight must be immediately reported to the authorities (police or gendarmerie) in order to identify any civil and / or criminal in case of accident or violation or accident by the perpetrators of the theft. Then he must report the theft to the insurer within 2 business days.
NB: You can also report the theft of your pre-complaint line vehicle. However, note that you remain responsible for the vehicle until the complaint is not signed to the police or the gendarmerie.
The items required
The list of documents and materials that are typically required when a claim:
Your full contact
The complete details of other people involved in the disaster
Full details of any witnesses
The minutes may be realized by the police on the scene of the accident
The number of your insurance contract (or your membership number for mutuals)
A photocopy of your registration card
The detailed description of the physical and material damages suffered by you. If you are injured, contact a prospective certificate ITT (temporary disability).
The detailed description of the physical and material damages suffered by a third party or
The finding by agreement (to be signed by both parties to be valid). Always have a copy on board. And, above all, ensure that it clearly explains the circumstances of the accident. Otherwise, the risk is that the insurer considers that the wrongs are shared, which will result in penalties to your bonus rates / penalty.
Ideally, location photos, and photos of the vehicle involved in the accident.
Join if possible proof of purchase (invoice) and accessories mounted in your car (GPS, child seat, etc.).
In case of theft: if your vehicle was equipped with antitheft devices (original or aftermarket), provide proof of the existence of said devices (GPS Tracker chip kind, immobilizer, burning windows, mechanical locking wheel, etc.)
Filing complaint
In case of theft, violence or the third hit and run (identified or not), filing a complaint will be required. For this, first declare a pre-complaint online before going to sign it to the police or gendarmerie. Then, attach the file double of that filing a complaint.
How to report the claim
Insurers have a customer relations service 24/24 and 7/7 working phone allowing you to file a claim as soon as possible. Operators are able to provide you need help (relief shipment, etc.).
In most companies, it is also possible to declare a disaster over the Internet. Others have even designed for such a smartphone application.
Repairs
Rule of thumb: once declared the claim you are the owner or the victim, do not make the repairs of your vehicle before having been authorized by your insurance company. And even if you have an urgent need for your vehicle. Indeed, only the expert appointed by your insurance company may, after careful consideration, assess the "repairability" (or not) of your vehicle. The work will be performed by a licensed professional by your company.
In case of disagreement on the amount of compensation
If the findings of the expert appointed by the insurance does not suit you, it is possible you to make a cons-expertise at your expense by using an independent expert. Also, please attach any document or proof of good condition and good maintenance of your vehicle, which increases the market value. You will put every chance on your side to get the highest possible compensation.
What impact on the bonus-malus?
Any accident which the insured is totally responsible bears a charge of 25% of the bonus coefficient / penalty previously applied.
If a motorist causes several accidents during the same year, the coefficient of the bonus malus or her is multiplied by 1.25 as many times as there have been accidents (without exceeding 3.50). He risks being struck by his insurer, anxious to avoid the risk drivers in customers ...
Please note, no increase will be applied after the first fault accident occurred when the driver received a 50% bonus for at least three years.
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