As I hinted at recently, I have been unlucky enough to be involved in a motoring collision. Given that we’re now well into winter (and not very far off December in actual fact) I thought it important to share with you all the fact that as many as 40% of drivers involved in accidents simply fail to provide the correct information.
Of course, it’s an extremely stressful situation that can be made all the worse by the possibility of some sort of bodily injury to yourself or others. Nonetheless, it is important to ensure that you provide (and receive) the name, address, telephone number, vehicle and insurance details of the other party.
What many don’t realise is that failing to take down the requisite information can result in a claim taking far longer than usual to process, or even worse, invalidate the claim (if your insurer feels this is necessary and correct) due to lack of information taken at the scene.
Why not take the following steps to remain on the side of the law (and keep your insurer on YOUR side):
* Remain safe, and check the other party is safe
* Take all personal details necessary, including name, address, telephone number and vehicle reg
* Take down the other party insurance details (and policy number – it is an offense to refuse it when asked)
* Take down any witness details
* Take photographic evidence of as much as you can of the scene, including any damage to your car
* Write down what the other party says, especially if they are threatening or asking for you to not report the accident
Ultimately, many people don’t know the law in this area, and plenty of us are simply too shaken to do the right thing. However, make sure you’re prepared by having a notepad and paper in the car – and keep your wits about you at all times when driving so you don’t end up there in the first place!
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