What to do after a car accident
Feck! You have just been in a car accident. Your heart is doing 90, but you're alive & hopefully not seriously injured. What next?
Having checked if everybody in the other vehicle is ok, and that neither car poses a danger to other drivers, use that disposable camera that you have been keeping in the glove box to take pictures of the scene of the accident and the damage to both vehicles.
Do not leave the scene of the accident until the Gardai have come and gone. It's important to ensure you get the name of the Gardai and they have noted your version of what has happened.
Exchange car reg, insurance information and contact information with the other driver.
Report the accident promptly to your insurance company and read the policy (again, of course!).
Getting the car fixed
Try and keep control of the repair process. This may mean refusing to settle for a repair job you don't like. Even if your garage does not do the repairs, you can still have your mechanic look at the car (although this may be at your personal expense) and provide an assessment of what should be fixed.
Useful information
- Car Insurance Options Explained
- Securing your car
- Road safety tips
- What Do Insurance Companies Consider?
- Tips to help reduce your insurance