We all know that sound: Squealing brakes following by a sickening boom. Accidents happen.
While we certainly hope you never have a car accident, here’s how to navigate an accident scene, and how to help ensure a speedy insurance payout if you do.
What to do immediately after an accident
Accidents are super stressful, but staying calm and knowing the steps to take can help prevent further complications, starting with a warning that if you don’t stop at the scene then you’re breaking the law.
Here’s a checklist to guide you through those crucial moments after a crash…
Medical matters: If you or anyone who’s involved needs medical attention, this is your first priority. If anyone is hurt, call an ambulance immediately. If there are injuries, or worse, you must also call the SA Police Service (SAPS).
Call the police: For any accident involving injuries or significant damage, it’s essential to notify the police and get a case number. In fact, you’re legally required to report accidents to SAPS within 24 hours, provided that you’re able to do so. Don’t put this off!
Exchange details: Share your information with anyone involved in the accident. This includes your name, phone number, home and email addresses, and insurance details. Collect the same information from them, and don’t forget to snap a photo of their drivers’ licences.
Document everything: Jot down the make, model, year, and colour of all the cars involved. Take note of the licence plate numbers, the date, time, and location of the accident, as well as road and weather conditions. Photos are invaluable here. If it’s safe to do so, take as many as you can of the accident scene and the damage to all cars involved.
Avoid towing traps: If your car isn’t driveable, make sure it’s towed by a company that’s approved by your insurer. If you don’t, you’ll likely be liable for towing, storage and recovery costs, and there’s a very real possibility that your claim won’t be processed as quickly.
Don’t take responsibility: It may sound like the wrong thing to do, but don’t admit liability at the scene, to SAPS, to your friends or, in fact, to anyone. Ever. Even if you think the accident is your fault. Let the insurance companies sort that out. Just share your details and let your insurer take it from there. It’s part of what you’re paying them to do, after all.
How to help ensure a smooth, speedy claim
Here’s how you can play your part in helping your insurer to repair or replace your car ASAP:
Let your insurer know: Report the accident to your insurer as soon as you can, and within 30 days, even if you don’t plan on claiming for it. This is non-negotiable. Your accident history affects your risk profile and, because your monthly premium is partly based on your risk profile, incidents could mean you pay an incorrect premium going forward. In turn, this can result in claim rejections or even premium adjustments down the line. Not disclosing incidents within the 30-day timeframe could also lead to claims being rejected.
Pass the paperwork on: When you file your claim, you’ll need to provide your insurer with all the details you collected at the scene, as well as the SAPS case number and report. Transparency is key, so make sure you don’t leave anything out.
Wait for instructions: Before you start any repairs or dispose of damaged property, get the green light from your insurer. They’ll need to assess the situation before you take any action, and you’ll need written approval to proceed. This is because insurers have arrangements with approved suppliers, in terms of which costs are contained, quality is assured, and time is of the essence.
Pay your excess: This is the part nobody enjoys, but it’s a necessary step. Your insurer will tell you how much you need to pay in excess, and once that’s sorted, they’ll move forward with your claim.
The scary car accident statistics
In South Africa, where over 14,000 people are killed on the roads each year, accidents are unfortunately more common than we’d like. And during the holiday season, when the roads get even busier, your chances of being involved in a car accident can increase.
Whether it’s a minor scrape or a more serious collision, we’ve got you covered with this guide on what to do after an accident and how to get your insurance claim processed without a hitch. While no one plans for accidents, knowing what to do and how to claim can make a huge difference to what happens next.
Click here or WhatsApp us on 0860 50 50 50 for a commitment-free insurance quote.
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Psst… This blog provides general info only, and doesn’t count as financial or product advice from King Price or our legal and compliance experts. Remember, all our premiums are risk-profile-dependent, and T’s and C’s apply. Our most up-to-date KPPD (policy wording) can always be found here.
Our website T’s and C’s can be found here.
