You just had an auto accident - now what?

Sometimes life throws you a curve ball and you have an auto accident.  Insure the Lake knows that this can be a very stressful situation and we wanted to provide you some guidance in the event you find yourself in a non injury accident with another motorist.

Auto Accident Reporting Procedures

Do you know what to do in the event of an auto accident?  Typically, a Lake of the Ozarks auto insurance policy will request that you report all claims promptly and should notify your agent as soon as possible after an automobile accident.  At that time your agent will likely report your claim to the insurance company and an adjuster will be assigned to handle your claim. 

There are certain steps you should take prior to calling your agent in the event of an accident.  First, you should report the accident to the police so they can file a report and assist any injured parties.  Next, you should record information about the other people involved in the incident such as: Names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance carriers, vehicle type and license numbers.  You should take pictures of the accident if a camera is available.   

If your vehicle is not drivable have it towed to a garage, but do not authorize repairs until an adjuster gives approval.  After this is done, you should contact your Lake of the Ozarks insurance agent with the information you gathered.  You should not admit fault and it is best to avoid discussing the accident details with anyone other than the company, your agent or the authorities.

If you have employees driving for your business it is a good idea to go over what is expected of them in the event of an accident.  It may even be helpful to create an accident kit to keep in the glove box to assist in documenting an occurrence. The kit should include paper to obtain information, a pen, emergency contact numbers, an accident report form to go over the information needed and a disposable camera to document the damage.  You may also wish to provide a medical kit in case it is needed.

Your drivers represent your business and are the front line in gathering the facts about the accident that will help to represent you.  The more information gathered, the better your company will be able to defend you against possible lawsuits that may result from an incident.  Be sure to discuss the process with your insurance professional.  Proper planning is no accident.

Delivering all of your Lake of the Ozarks Auto Insurance needs - Insure the Lake!

We can help you with all of your auto insurance needs. You can have peace of mind.   Contact us for a FREE quote request.

Steve Naught, CIC

NAUGHT-NAUGHT AGENCY

3736 Osage Beach Parkway
Osage Beach, MO 65065
Next to Golden Coral

T: 573-348-2794
F: 573-348-0191

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