Accidents happen even to the best drivers. But if you’re prepared, if you know how to handle the situation, and if you have good Calgary car insurance, it doesn’t have to be a traumatic experience. Before hitting the road, familiarize yourself with these important steps for preparing for car accidents and dealing with them when they happen.
Before the accident:
1. Have insurance, and know your coverage: Calgary car insurance is a must-have for all drivers in the area. Getting insurance is not only required by law, but also the responsible thing to do. It protects you and your family from damages resulting from car accidents, and it helps ensure that you can pay for any repairs needed to your vehicle. If you’re not sure where to begin with your insurance, talk to a licensed professional about the best Calgary car insurance options available to you. Once you do have your insurance, be sure to read all the pertinent information so that you will be mentally prepared in the event of an accident.
2. Have safety features, and use them: The safety features of modern cars are more sophisticated than ever. Having things like antilock brakes and automatic seatbelts helps keep you and your family safe, and it may even get you a discount on your Calgary car insurance. But merely having them is not enough; be aware of your car’s safety features, and have a good understanding of how they work.
3. Safe driving practices: This may go without saying, but the best way to prepare for accidents is to avoid them completely. Even when you’re in a rush, remember that your car is a dangerous piece of machinery, and always make an effort to put safety above all other concerns. If you need a refresher, taking driver’s safety classes may get you even more off your Calgary car insurance.
4. Have a safety kit: In addition to a cell phone, it’s a good idea to have a first-aid kit, pen and paper, a medical insurance card, a list of contact numbers, local law-enforcement information, and a flashlight. If you have room, you may also want to keep some warning triangles, emergency flares, and a set of cones.
After the accident:
5. Exchange insurance information: When you get into a collision involving another vehicle, you and the other driver should exchange names, phone numbers, addresses, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, insurance companies, and insurance policy numbers. If the driver of the vehicle is not the primary policy holder for that vehicle, make sure you have all of this information as well.
6. Document the accident: Fortunately, documenting the scene of a car accident is easier than ever, given the fact that many of us have handy cameras right inside of our cell phones. After making sure everyone is safe, take photographs of the accident. Try to show the overall context of the scene and get the damage from multiple angles.
7. File a report: If law enforcement is at the scene, you can file a report with your officer. Otherwise, you can fill out a report online, but be sure to do it soon, as there is a statute of limitations. The report will be useful in the event that there are any disputes regarding liability or other issues relating to the accident.
8. Call your insurance company: If you’ve read your insurance policy thoroughly, you should have a good sense of what’s covered. However, if you have any questions on the scene, use your cell phone to call your Calgary car insurance company. Then, once the dust has settled, make your insurance claim as soon as possible.
