Collect Important Information at the Scene

• Capture the SceneJeep and car after the road accident. image by Dragan Trifunovic from Fotolia.com
  
  Take pictures. Use your cell phone or ask a passerby to help. Return to the scene later if necessary to take pictures of the exact location. Immediately exchange information from drivers' licenses and insurance cards with others involved in the accident. Call the police or go directly to the police station to file a report. Photos, statements, the other parties' information, witnesses and a police report are critical to process your claim efficiently.
  
  

Contact Your Insurance Company's Claims Agent

• Submit the police report.Police officer at the scene of the Jeep and car road accident. image by Dragan Trifunovic from Fotolia.com
  
  File your claim by telephone, online or download and mail a form. Telephone filing provides immediate contact with an agent who can process your claim in a timely manner; however, if you file online or download and mail a claim form in, your claim will also be resolved diligently. The process takes a few days to interview both sides, review pictures and order police reports. Be sure to call your insurance company first.
  
  

Find Out What Your Insurance Covers

• Total losscar crash image by dawn from Fotolia.com
  
  Utilize your coverage to its full extent. You may be eligible for a free tow, a rental car, car repairs and medical benefits or no benefits at all, if you only carry liability insurance. Payment can take a few days to years depending on the severity of damage, extent of injuries, and whether liability--who is at fault--is in dispute. Plan to pay your deductible to expedite the process.