how to deal with a minor accident

You're pulling out of a parking space, and suddenly--thud--another driver has bumped the side of your car. Nobody's hurt, but both cars have suffered dents and scrapes. You were on your way somewhere, but now you're standing in the middle of a parking lot with a stranger. Should you call the police? What types of information should you obtain from the other driver before you each go your separate ways? Before you let the situation put a damper on your day, follow these guidelines to deal with a fender bender.

Getting into a car accident is no fun. But it's even worse if you're not prepared. Storing some simple, everyday items in your glove compartment or trunk will go a long way toward making the experience less stressful. Store a flashlight in the car in case the accident happens at night, and keep a pen and paper on hand to take down the other driver's information. Some insurance companies and automobile associations may provide roadside assistance and telephone advice, so keep these phone numbers handy as well.

Make sure you choose a reliable auto insurance company that will provide adequate support when you need it. Check your library for books and periodicals that rate auto insurance companies on such things as customer service and reliability.

The golden rule of all fender benders is to maintain your composure. It doesn't help the situation to argue, yell, threaten, or blame. Remember, your primary goal is to reach a settlement with the other driver or your insurance company so you can get your car fixed without digging into your own bank account. You don't want to say anything that could interfere with the settlement process. So, it's best to be diplomatic and business-like. Simply inquire about the other driver's well-being, act polite, and keep calm--even if you're faced with a hostile and argumentative person.

Although in some jurisdictions the police don't respond to fender benders unless there's an injury or an unmoveable car blocking a thoroughfare, it's still a good idea to phone them. It may seem unnecessary or time-consuming to do so, but they can provide a valuable resource. The police will complete an accident report, which may include physical evidence, such as the length of any skid marks, whether each car's equipment was working properly, and details about the point of impact. They may also interview witnesses, and record details such as the time and place of the accident, license numbers and descriptions of cars, and names and addresses of the drivers and owners of each vehicle. This information may prove useful in the settlement process. Write down the name and badge number of the investigating officer, the name of the agency he or she represents, the name of the intersection where the accident occurred, and the number of the police report. This information will make it easier if you or your insurance company must contact the police to request a copy of the report.

While you're waiting for the police to arrive, exchange information with the other driver. This includes names, addresses, and telephone numbers, as well as each driver's automobile insurance company and the appropriate policy number. In some places, it's a law that each driver must exchange this information before leaving the scene of the accident. If the other driver refuses to exchange information, just take down the number on his or her license plate, and the make and model of the car, and report this to the police. You should also get the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of any witnesses to the accident. Statements from witnesses can prove valuable if the other driver (or the other driver's insurance company) challenges your version of the incident. Note: For very minor accidents, drivers may decide to handle the situation themselves, without including police or insurance companies. If both can agree who was at fault, and make their own arrangements for repairs and payment, handling it this way can be easier and cheaper. Just be sure to get the agreement in writing and signed by both parties. (Even if you decide to go this route, however, it's a good idea to exchange names and phone numbers, just in case something unforeseen causes one of you to contact the authorities.)

Your deductible is the amount you have to pay from your own pocket when an insurance claim is filed. For example, if your deductible is $500, and your car needs $2,000 worth of repairs, you may only receive $1,500 from the insurance company. You're responsible for the first $500 of any repair. But what if your deductible is more than the actual cost of repairs? For instance, let's say your deductible is $500. You have a fender bender, but your car only suffers a small scratch or dent. The other person's car suffers no apparent damage. You bring your car by your local repair shop, and they estimate that it will only cost $100 to fix the problem. It may not be worth it to involve your insurance company, as reporting the incident could raise your premium. Before making such a determination, however, always get a written estimate from a body shop. Even the most minimal looking scratch or dent could require an entire section of the car to be repainted, and that can be expensive.

If you and the other driver decide not to pay for your own repairs, contact your insurance company immediately. If you don't report the accident to your insurance company, and the other driver does report it to his or hers, it could work against you if the case ends up in arbitration. The claims department of your insurance company will ask you some detailed questions about the accident, and you'll have to provide the information you received from the other driver. They'll also want to know if the police were called, and, if so, the number of the police report. Your insurance company will then assign your case to an adjuster, who'll be responsible for researching the claim. The adjuster may contact you with further questions, and will probably want to either see the car or a photo of the car, or will ask you to bring the car to an authorized repair shop. If the adjuster determines the fender bender was your fault, it usually means your insurance company is responsible and must pay for damages to both cars. If the other driver is found to be at fault, usually his or her insurance company pays for damages. If no fault is determined, or if both drivers share the blame, then each insurance company potentially pays half. If you have insurance, and the other driver doesn't, and it was his or her fault, your insurance company may cover your repairs. Or, you may have to try and recover expenses from the other driver directly. You can start by sending him or her a letter, and a copy of the repair bills or estimates. It may be necessary to work out a payment schedule with that person. If he or she refuses to pay, your only recourse may be to file a civil lawsuit. Note: Take color photos of the damage done to your car. This can serve as valuable evidence.

An insurance company may require you to take your car to an automotive repair shop and get an estimate for how much it will cost to fix any problems that resulted from the fender bender. Some insurance companies may require two separate estimates from two different repair shops. If you've received your estimates from businesses in your insurance company's network of authorized repair shops, your insurance company should approve the repair and usually will pay the shop directly. If you've already paid the repair shop out of your own pocket, and the insurance company deems you've paid a fair market rate, then it may send a check directly to you. Hopefully you'll never have an accident and never have to use any of this advice. But if you do find yourself in a fender bender, at least now you'll be prepared.

Another "HOT TIP" from AutoNetDirect.com

"RETURN TO TOOLBOX"

Be sure to read the "tip of the month" Also see navigation below!
.