Being in a collision can be traumatic and shocking, which is why it’s helpful to know what actions to take immediately following an accident. Understanding how your insurance company will deal with your claim can also put your mind at ease. We outline helpful steps to follow after a collision and the auto claims process at Federated Insurance. We also provide a helpful infographic that you can refer to if ever needed.
What to do after a collision:
1. Move to safety
Safety should be your first priority. Move your vehicle to the shoulder or side of the road and turn on your hazard lights so other drivers can clearly see your vehicle. Once your vehicle is moved to safety, ensure you and your passengers stand away from the road.
2. Call 9-1-1
Call 9-1-1 and tell them you’ve been in a collision. Be sure to ask them for medical assistance if someone has been injured. The 9-1-1 operator will tell you if a police officer will attend the scene to make a report or if you will have to go to a Collision Reporting Centre.
3. Don’t discuss the accident
If another party is involved in the collision, be courteous but don’t discuss the collision with them. Only tell the details of the collision to the police officer when they ask.
4. Gather information
If another driver is involved in the collision, make sure to get their contact, vehicle and insurance information. Take notes of the collision including the date, time, and location. If the collision is reported to the police, get the name and badge number of the investigating police officer.
5. Speak with witnesses
Speak to any witnesses and get their name and contact information in case your claims adjuster needs to contact them in the future.
6. Take photos
Use your smartphone to take photos of the collision scene. Include photos of your vehicle, the other vehicle if any, the surrounding area including traffic lights as well as road and weather conditions.
7. Go to the nearest Collison Reporting Centre
If a police officer did not come to the scene to make a report, you will be directed to go to the nearest Collision Reporting Centre to file one yourself.
8. Call your insurer
Call your insurance company and provide any relevant details and photos so they can start the claims process.
To help ensure you gather all the important information for authorities and your insurance company, we’ve created a Driver’s Collision Report that you can download, print off and keep in your vehicle. While we created this our trucking customers, it’s also a valuable tool for other commercial drivers.
Download the Driver’s Collision Reporting Kit
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The Federated Insurance auto claims process:
1. Dedicated claims adjuster
Once you’ve notified us, you’ll be assigned a dedicated claims adjuster who will outline the next steps and walk you through what you can expect during the claim process.
2. Investigating your Claim
Your adjuster will gather all the information from you about the collision, including the police or Collision Centre report, to determine how the collision happened and who is at fault.
3. Coverage review
Your claims adjuster will look at your policy coverage details to see what’s covered and inform you of any deductibles.
4. Damage evaluation
Federated insurance has a network of shops (CSN) that will be able to appraise or inspect and evaluate damages to your vehicle. For minor damage claims, there is Express Claim Service.
5. Repair recommendations
If your vehicle is repairable, your adjuster will provide you with a list of recommended auto body repair shops to service your vehicle.
6. Total loss appraisal
If your vehicle is determined to not be repairable, the appraiser will provide your adjuster with a detailed report showing its market value. Your adjuster will contact you to review the report together.
7. Payment
After the necessary repairs have been completed and any damaged items have been replaced, your adjuster will contact you to discuss the next steps for settlement and closing your file.
DOWNLOAD INFOGRAPHIC
Federated Insurance Company of Canada is the insurer of Federated Insurance policies. This infographic is provided for information only and is not a substitute for professional advice. We make no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information and will not be responsible for any loss arising out of reliance on the information.
