Esurance hopes you're never involved in a car accident, but if you are, we're here to help. We've compiled a list of tips to help you deal with the aftermath and get back on the road faster.
First, make sure everyone's OK. If anyone's injured, immediately call medical help to the scene. Even if your injuries are minor, you may still want to have them checked by a medical professional. Sometimes injuries from an accident that appear slight are really more serious.
Try to remain calm and call the police, who will control and manage the accident scene. We recommend that you avoid admitting fault under any circumstance, and defer to the police instead.
Next, gather info from everyone involved (including witnesses) in the accident with the help of a police officer. Jot down names, addresses, phone numbers, and insurance details. If you don't have a smartphone, it's a good idea to store a pen and pad of paper in your vehicle. That way you can record the information your insurance company needs to complete your auto insurance claim.
If you have a camera with you, take pictures. Document vehicle damage, the location where the accident occurred, skid marks, and any other features of the accident scene. We recommend using the built-in digital camera on your phone or keeping a disposable camera in your glove compartment.
As soon as possible, write down your own detailed recollection of the accident. Then report it to your insurance company immediately. If you're an Esurance policyholder, you can report certain accidents online, through our new Esurance Mobile apps, or by calling
1-800-ESURANCE (1-800-378-7262). Should you ever have a question about your auto insurance, or need to report a claim, Esurance has 24/7 customer service.
And generally speaking, only discuss the accident with the police and your car insurance company. Do not discuss the accident with another party to the accident or another auto insurance company, and avoid making a recorded statement. Simply refer any questions about the accident to your claims representative.
If you're an Esurance customer and you have an iPhone® or Android™ smartphone, download Esurance Mobile to access the accident toolkit feature. And if you're not yet a customer, you can always get your get your free auto insurance quote from Esurance at any time, day or night.
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