5 tips to make accident claims less daunting
Being in an accident can be daunting, but accident claims don’t have to be. In the spur of the moment, getting the right information and help makes all the difference.
Here we look at how your #Rodel4U app & information collection can make all the difference. Just follow these 5 simple steps and keep calm;
- Press your emergency 24/7 app button & we will call you immediately
- Collect information including license, reg, insurance & contact details
- Go to the police station to report the accident within 24 hours
4. Share the details with us at Rodel 4 U so we can update your claim
5. Use your #Rodel4U app to follow up on your policy claim and updates
The most important thing for you to remember is to remain calm, make sure you and others are unharmed as well as alert us asap. This makes sure that you have the best care and attention during a very daunting time. Sounds simple & it is. We will delve into each step below.
Press your emergency 24/7 app button & we will call you immediately
Usually, after an accident, the 1st thing you have to do is to call your insurance company. When you are an active policy member of Rodel 4 U, it is a simple as pressing your emergency button. We geo-locate and call you.
Assisting you with the process, any medical support (if needed) & arranging an officially registered tow truck to help you as soon as possible. This all ensures your;
- Safety and well being
- Correct claim procedure
Getting towed by the wrong person could have adverse effects on your claim. Make sure you have your insurance app & companies’ emergency number saved on your phone.
On your app, we will have your policy number/ ID number so that we can help you immediately.
Collect information including license, reg, insurance & contact details
After an accident, you need to gather the relevant information (Who, What, When, Where and How) at the scene. If there was a third party involved, you need to know their name, surname, picture of their drivers’ licence, car licence disk, etc.
A good idea would be to take photos of the damage to your vehicle as well as the other vehicles involved.
You should write all the information down, it’s always a good idea to have a book and pen handy in your car. Due to the adrenaline and after calming down, it gets harder to recall all the relevant information, after the initial shock.
Write down the street names and get the details of any eyewitnesses as this will be needed for your accident claim.
Go to the police station to report the accident within 24 hours
In South Africa, you must report an accident at a police station within 24hrs. If you are unfamiliar with the process, don’t worry. We explain it here.
At the police station, an officer will give you an accident report to fill out. This is where you detail the events of the accident as well as sketch the scene (this is where the photos you took will come in handy.)
You will also need to document the 3rd parties’ details as well as any witnesses’ details.
Filling in the accident report is your chance to explain the events as they happened. It is important to remember not to admit guilt or blame. Keep calm and report the incidents factually.
Once the accident report is complete, you will receive a case number from the officer assisting you. This number is vital as you will need to provide it to your insurance provider, at the claim stage.
Share the details with us at Rodel 4 U so we can update your claim
Another critical step is to contact your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident. This is when you submit your claim, providing all the necessary details that Rodel 4 U requires.
Most insurance companies require the information that you have gathered throughout the process such as;
- The description of the incident (Who, Why, When, How)
- The photo’s you took of the accident scene & damage
- The drivers’ details (if you weren’t driving the car)
- The details of the third party (if another person was involved)
- The police case number after filling out the accident report
- A copy of the statement you made to the police
- A copy of your drivers’ licence (if you were the driver)
If you have all your ducks in a row, your claim process will be seamless. Remember to also ask about your excess process. This will always be paid when claiming, even if you are not at fault. When you are not the guilty party, you will need first to pay and then claim your excess back.
Use your #Rodel4U app to follow up on your policy claim and updates
After submitting all the relevant claim information, you will be assigned an expert to your case. Using your #Rodel4U app gives you the ability to login and see updates as they happen.
The process is as follows, once all the details are received;
- An assessor will be assigned to your case
- The assessor will investigate the damage
- They advise the claims processor on his/her findings
Your claims processor will advise on the next steps and whether or not your claim has been accepted. If your claim is accepted the processor will;
- let you know when to expect your car to be returned, or
- in case of a write-off when you can expect your payout.
If your accident claim was rejected, the insurance company would give you details as to why.
So there you have it, 5 easy steps to make your comprehensive cover claim less daunting. Remember to have your #Rodel4u app handy (download on Google http://bit.ly/355JHaI / Apple https://apple.co/2qVIbcB) in case of an emergency.
