Todd Sumamno
Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be a stressful, especially if both drivers have the same insurance company. However, some steps will make the process go smoothly and ensure the not-at-fault driver receives fair compensation for damages or injuries.
This overview will outline the best way to deal with drivers who have the same insurance, including the essential steps to take after an accident. This includes checking for injuries, exchanging information with the other driver, documenting the scene, and contacting the insurance company as soon as possible. Just as with vehicular incidents, life’s unexpected turns may necessitate a nuanced approach to insurance decisions. Limited Pay Life insurance, for example, offers a distinctive solution for those seeking a more structured premium payment plan. Similar to the careful steps taken after a collision, choosing the right life insurance policy requires a methodical evaluation of your financial circumstances and long-term objectives.
Checking for Injuries
The first step after being involved in a car accident is to check for injuries. If anyone has been injured, seek medical attention immediately. Even if the injured person feels fine at that moment, some injuries may not manifest until later, so they must get checked out as soon as possible. The personal health and safety of the people involved in the accident should always be a top priority.
Exchanging Information
After checking for injuries, the next step is for both drivers to exchange information. This includes names, phone numbers, email addresses, driver’s license numbers, and insurance information. This information helps insurance companies process the claim and determine fault.
Documenting the Scene
Documenting the accident scene is important after exchanging information with the other driver. Taking pictures of the accident scene, including the extent of damage to both vehicles, the accident’s location, and any further relevant details, can be beneficial. This documentation can help the insurance company process the claim and determine who is at fault.
Writing down details about the accident, such as the time and date, weather conditions, and any witnesses present is recommended. This information can help an insurance company determine what happened and its liability. The more documentation a person has, the easier it will be to navigate the claims process.
Contacting the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Agent
The claimant must know they should not file a claim through their insurance agent if they are not at fault. If both drivers have the same insurance, the company will allocate each driver their own separate claims adjusters to handle the accident. If the other driver caused the accident, it’s a good idea for the claimant to contact the at-fault driver’s insurance agent and file the claim through them.
After that, the claimant should call their insurance agent and report the accident. The claimant must remember that the other driver’s insurance agent is not on their side, and their main goal is to protect their client’s interests. Therefore, the claimant should be careful about what they say and not admit fault or agree to any settlements without consulting their insurance company agent.
Finding Out About Your Deductible
In car accident cases where the drivers have different insurance, the insurance company charges the claimant a deductible for vehicle repairs. The insurer reimburses the out-of-pocket deductible if the claimant is found not at fault.
In cases where both drivers have the same insurance, the driver not at fault is not required to pay for a deductible. The driver in the wrong will be required to pay this cost out of pocket. Besides this difference, claims involving similar insurers do not look different from other claims.
Dealing with a driver with the same insurance as you after a car accident can be complex, but the steps above can ensure a smooth and fair claims process.
Brittany
