What should I do if I am involved in an automobile accident?
If we own an automobile, we need to insure it. Plain and simple. It is the law. 
When we buy auto insurance, we always hope that we will never need to use it, but the reality is, accidents happen and your broker is there to help. A very common statement from our clients when reporting a claim is that they did not know what details or what information they needed collect at the scene.
The scene of an automobile accident can be very stressful and confusing. Staying calm is very important. Make sure everyone is safe, and, if you need to, call 911 for help.
Below you will find a short list of the information your broker will require in order to report the accident to your insurance company. The more information you can collect, the better, and is not just limited to what we have listed here.
- The date and time of the accident
- The location of the accident
- The details of what happened in the accident
- If others were involved in the accident with you, we will need their names, their address, and contact information like phone numbers, and or email address.
- The description of the vehicle they were driving, the name of their insurance company name and the policy number.
- The name and contact information from the police officer if one is on the scene.
- Often, in more serious events, a police officer is at the scene. They also document the information, and they may give you a card with the information collected on it.
As soon as you can, contact your broker.
They will take the information you provide and report the incident to your insurance company. This will get your claim started. We understand that brokers are not available 24/7. Is it 2 am and you can’t reach your broker? You can still get your claim started by going to our claims page to report your claim directly. Just have your policy number ready from your pink insurance card.
Many people ask, “Should I put this claim through my insurance?” There are many things to consider with some certain types of losses. What is my deductible, what is the cost to repair the damages and how will it affect my rates? In some situations, the answer is clear, in others it is not. Contact your broker and your adjuster to discuss the options that are available to you.
The scene of an accident, no matter how big or small, is stressful. If you do not collect all the information, do not worry. Your broker and adjuster will work hard to get the information needed.
And now, we have an app for that! Download the Pearson Insurance mobile app on your phone or you can go to My Pearson Online to find out how to access your policy information on your computer. You can report your claim to us, take photos and create an accident scene. Also, if you turn on your GPS location services, you can send us the exact location of the claim.
One last tip…
Make sure you write down the name of your adjuster and the adjusters contact information. There are always questions that pop up just as you hang up the phone. Write those questions down so that when you are speaking with your adjuster again, you will have those questions at your fingertips and be able to address your concerns.
Your broker and your adjuster will work for you to help get your claims settled.
At Pearson Insurance, you will deal with real people.
These are people who will remember you. You will have the comfort of knowing that you will be able to deal with the same broker, so they know and understand your insurance requirements and concerns. We offer choice. We have a number of insurance companies that we can check to make sure you are getting the best policy for the best price. Our Brokers are licensed, professionally trained, and offer expertise that allows them to provide top notch customer service to protect what matters to you and your family. We can leave you with the peace of mind knowing that you are dealing with a brokerage that has been in business since 1935!
Why not come and meet our team. Just click here to see the friendly face at the other end of the phone!
