How to Handle a Collision

Most drivers feel shaky even after a minor collision. Knowing how to handle the problems that you may encounter can save headaches — from the scene of the accident all the way to the body shop.

 

The most common mistake drivers make

The number one error drivers make after being in a collision is not obtaining enough information from the other party before leaving the accident site. For example, what if the other party is driving a car that he or she has borrowed and does not own? You need to have the insurance information on the car that is involved in the crash, not the driver's own car. Below is a list of information one needs to exchange after an accident. We suggest keeping it in your glove box, along with a pen.

• Driver's name
• Address
• Phone number
• Driver's license number and state of issuance
• Name of insurance company
• Insurance policy number
• Vehicle make, model and year
• Vehicle identification number
• Registration number and state of issuance
• Vehicle owner's name, address and phone number if different from the driver

 

What to remember after an accident

• If possible, move the vehicles out of the lane of traffic to prevent another crash.
• When someone is injured, do not move them. If you have a cellular phone, call for medical help. Or, flag someone down and ask that person to call an ambulance. If crash victims say they have pain in their back, shoulder, neck or legs, for example, they should not be moved because that can cause further injury.
• Unless it is obvious you were at fault, do not admit blame. Ask for witnesses' names, addresses and phone numbers. And as soon as you arrive home, write down everything you can remember leading up to, during and after the crash. For example, what was the weather that day? Was construction happening? Was there a road sign obscuring your view?
• If you hit an uninsured driver, still obtain as much information as you can. It will be helpful to you when speaking with your insurance agency.

 

When to call police

You are required to call the police if one or more parties are injured, if a vehicle has to be towed or if the damage is more than $500 on your vehicles collectively. However, it is recommend that you always call the police, as a police report can verify what actually happened. Without a police report, the other parties involved could change their stories.

 

Risks of not reporting your accident

The other driver may ask you not to report the accident and offer to pay for your damages. If the damage looks like it is under $500, you might consider accepting the other driver's offer, but doing so is risky. You have no assurance that the person will actually send you a check to cover your damages.

Usually, the reason people don't want an accident reported is higher insurance rates. However, the police agency that handles the accident usually does not notify the insurance agency, as one of the involved parties frequently does it. So, go ahead and file a police report. It is important for your protection.

 

Calling your insurance company

After the police report is made, you should notify your insurance company. (Most insurance companies require a police report prior to making a claim.) Illinois law, for example, mandates personal injury accidents to be reported within 48 hours and property damage accidents over $500 within 10 days. (If there is visible damage on a vehicle, most likely the repair cost will be over $500. If you are unsure, obtain an estimate and report it before your state's deadline.) Remember to check the laws in your state.

 

Questions to ask your insurance company

• Is the repair estimate based on new genuine GM parts? If no, why not?
• If I accept imitation parts for the repair of my vehicle, will my rates decline?
• If I insist that only new genuine GM parts be used, do I have to pay more? If yes, why?
• May I select the body shop I want to repair my vehicle? If no, why not?

 

Repairing your vehicle

If you're replacing parts on your vehicle, know that there are significant differences between genuine GM parts and imitation, used or salvaged parts. The quality of fit, finish and corrosion protection can be great. These differences can negatively affect a vehicle's warranty, safety and resale value.

 

Questions to ask the body shop

• Do you use imitation and/or used/salvaged parts or only new, genuine GM parts in a repair?
• Does my insurance company's policy specify using only new, genuine GM Parts for my vehicle's repair?

Our experience indicates that most body shops would rather use genuine GM parts because they fit right the first time and help maintain the long-term integrity of the vehicle's appearance and long-term investment return.