The weather is nice, you’re driving along in your car with the windows down, listening to your favorite music. Suddenly, out of nowhere, another car crashes into yours! No matter how careful you are, you’re never completely safe from an accident.
Do you know what to do in the event of a car accident? It largely depends on the type of accident.
Here is a short practical article to remind you of the steps to follow in the event of a car accident.
Collision (2 or 3 vehicles involved, no injuries)
You collide with another vehicle while driving on a public road. Despite the other driver’s dissatisfaction, fortunately, the damage is only material and no one was injured in the accident.
In this specific case, there is no need to call the police: simply fill out an accident report form. Issued by the Groupement des Assureurs Automobiles (GAA), the accident report form is easy to fill out. It allows drivers involved in the accident to report it to their respective insurers.
Available in paper format or as an app, the accident report form allows you to quickly gather all the information you will need to send to your insurer when making a claim.
If, at the time of the accident, you do not have the accident report form, be sure to obtain the following information from the driver(s):
- Full name
- Phone Number
- Address
- Driver’s license number
- Registration certificate number
- The contact details of the insurer of the other driver(s)
Claim following a collision
It is important to contact your insurance broker as soon as possible after the accident. They will offer you their full support and will be able to advise you on how to proceed with your auto insurer.
Describe the circumstances of the accident to them in as much detail as possible. You will then need to send them the supporting documents:
- Accident report form
- Photos of the accident scene and the vehicles involved
- Police report (if applicable)
- Towing invoice (if applicable)
Once your insurer has all the required documents, they will then have 60 days to pay you the compensation amount.
Accident with injury/injuries
If, unfortunately, you or several people have suffered injuries, even minor ones, don’t delay: call 9-1-1! The dispatcher will send emergency services to the scene.
Your responsibility in the accident
Whether or not the accident resulted in injuries, your insurer will be responsible for determining your degree of liability in the accident. To do so, they will use the Direct Compensation Agreement (DCA). The purpose of this agreement is to simplify the claims process. Under this agreement, each insurer is required to compensate its own policyholders, rather than engaging in lengthy legal proceedings between the drivers and insurers involved.
Theft or hit-and-run
If you have been the victim of theft or a hit-and-run, you must go to a police station to report the crime. You can then submit the police report to your insurer for your claim.
In the event of theft, you will be compensated if your insurance policy includes theft protection. Your insurer will deduct the deductible amount from your compensation.
In the event of a hit-and-run accident, your damages will be covered by “All Risks” or “Collision or Overthrow” coverage.
Remember : a hit-and-run occurs when there is an accident and the person leaves the scene of the collision without identifying themselves. So even if you come back from shopping and find that your car has been hit while parked and no one waited for you to fill out an accident report, it is still considered a hit-and-run.
Did you know?
Every claim made for car accidents is recorded in the Central Automobile Claims File (FCSA).
The accident is attributed to the person who was present at the scene of the accident and not necessarily to the owner of the vehicle.
Friendly advice: whether or not you file a claim with your insurer, we strongly recommend that you report your accident to them.
No matter how carefully you watch the road and exercise the utmost caution, accidents can happen quickly. If you happen to be involved in an unfortunate accident, know that an independent broker can assist you and make your life much easier. Your independent broker is an ally you can count on.
Contact us today!
Nous espérons que cet article vous aura éclairci par rapport à quoi faire à la suite d’un accident de voiture. Contactez-nous dès aujourd’hui pour trouver la meilleure assurance automobile et pour pouvoir rouler la tête tranquille!