CTM Claims Class: “What do you do if you’ve been in an accident”

Welcome back to CTM Claims Class!

For this edition, we had the opportunity to speak with Karen Christensen, one of CTM’s expert Claims Adjusters. One question we always get in the insurance industry is, “what do you do if you’ve just been in an auto accident,” so we asked Karen for her top tips. Here is what she said you need to know and do after you’ve been in an accident.

• STAY CALM – You cannot get the necessary information if you are overly excited.
• If your car is moveable, pull to the side of the road and don’t block traffic.
• Take pictures—lots of them at the scene, the other vehicles involved, and your vehicle. Make sure you get photos of the other vehicles’ license plates. It is also important to take photos of the other driver’s license and insurance card.
• Get witness information; if there are witnesses, get their names and phone numbers.
• If the vehicle is not drivable and will be towed, take a photo of the tow truck with the logo and phone number. Make sure to get the name and address of the tow yard the vehicle is being taken to (you should have a choice of what tow yard it goes to if it is not a police call.)
• Get the police report number, the Police Officer’s name and their badge number
• If you are sore in the immediate aftermath, go to the hospital to get checked out, don’t wait.
• Report to your insurer within 24 hours of the accident.

As we continue with CTM Claims Class, we will explore the entire claims handling process in more detail and get expert advice from the CTM Claims Team. Check out our blog at ctmins.ca/blog for our previous editions. If you have any questions about insurance claims that you want to know, email us at marketing@cmtins.ca.