What to do if you're in an accident

According to the latest statistics by the National Safety Council, one in eight licensed drivers is involved in an automobile accident each year. Whether or not you become one of those unfortunate drivers involved in a collision, the following information can help you lessen the headaches and expense of an accident. In case of an accident:

• Don't leave the scene.
• If vehicles are operable, move them to the shoulder, out of the way of oncoming traffic
• Call for medical assistance if there are any injuries.
• Provide basic first aid, but don't move an injured person unless you possess medical or lifesaving expertise
• In many areas, you have to call the police Get the officer's name, badge number, police station address, and phone number. Ask when the accident report will be filed, its case and report number, and how you can get a copy
• Take careful note of the date and time of the accident, the street and city, weather and road conditions, direction and speed you and other drivers were going, and how the accident occurred.

What you need in your glove compartment

• Always carry your insurance card and vehicle registration
• Keep a list of emergency numbers in the glove compartment at all times
• Keep a medical card with you if you have allergies to any medicine or you have a condition that requires special attention
  

About Rental Cars

• Check your insurance policy or call your agent to see if you have rental car reimbursement coverage.
• For an average of $1 to $2 per month, rental car reimbursement will pay for the cost of renting a car after an accident while your vehicle's in the repair shop.
• If the accident is not your fault, the other party's insurance company may provide you with rental car reimbursement.

Filing A Homeowners Claim

A homeowners insurance policy is a contract between you and your insurance company. You should understand the policy before a loss occurs. Review your policy with your insurance representative so you'll know what's covered.

FILING YOUR CLAIM

1. Report any burglary or theft to police.
2. Phone your agent or company immediately. (Insurance policies place a time limit on filing claims.) Ask questions: Am I covered? Does my claim exceed my deductible? (Your deductible is the amount of loss you agree to pay yourself when you buy a policy.) How long will it take to process my claim? Will I need to obtain estimates for repairs to structural damage?
3. Make temporary repairs and take other steps to protect your property from further damage. Save receipts for what you spend and submit them to your insurance company for reimbursement.
4. Prepare a list of lost or damaged articles.
5. Save receipts from any additional living expenses you incur if your home is so severely damaged that you have to find other accommodations while repairs are being made. Most homeowners insurance policies include a provision for reimbursement of these expenses.
6. Get claim forms. Once your insurance company has been notified of your claim, the company is required to send you the necessary claim forms to you by the end of a specified time period. (The time period varies from state to state.) Return the properly filled out forms as soon as possible.
7. Have an adjuster inspect the damage to your home. Your insurance company will probably arrange for the adjuster.