Car Accident Guide – Part 2

Accidents happen – which is why you trust Genesis Insurance Brokers with your car insurance needs.

Following on from our last blog where we advise on what to do if you’re ever involved in a car accident, we’ve put together another handy guide, this time focussing on the insurance claims process. 

We recommend sharing this guide with your friends and family, and saving a copy to keep handy as a reference guide in the event of an accident.

If you missed the first installment, check out our blog, where we’ll be bringing you lots more helpful advice and tips over the coming weeks. Be sure to check back frequently, or subscribe below for new blog notifications straight to your inbox.

Insurance Claims Procedure 101 – The Basics

Depending on the level of damage, you have two options. If the damage is substantial, you will probably want to submit a claim (i.e. have your insurance pay for damages and arrange for repairs). Alternatively, you may wish to pay for the damages yourself so as not to affect any no claims bonus you may have.

Here’s what to do immediately following a collision:

Step 1: Report the accident to the nearest police station and notify your broker of the accident as soon as possible (you usually have a limited time to do this). 

You must ensure that you give an honest and accurate explanation. If your insurer discovers you have been misleading, it may lead to serious consequences including potential rejection of a claim. You should report all incidents, even if the damage is minor and you don’t plan on submitting a claim.

Step 2: If the other driver is insured and caused the incident, you have the option to lodge a claim with your insurer or with the other driver’s insurer. (NB: Even if you decide to claim against the other driver’s insurance, you must still notify your broker of the accident).

If you decide to claim against your own policy and the other driver is found to be the more negligent party, your insurer will try to recover damages from them (including your excess). This is usually more successful if the other party is insured.

Step 3: Provide your broker with the required information (completed claim form, copy of your driver’s license, and a repair quote for the damages).

Your claim will then be processed using the information provided and you will be updated on the progress of the claim along the way.

Depending on the damage, your vehicle may need assessment by a qualified assessor in order to evaluate the damage. 

It is important to repair any damage as soon as possible, so that any existing issues do not worsen over time. Please bear in mind that each case is unique,  and will be assessed accordingly by the relevant insurers. 

There you have it – the claims process in a nutshell. 

To find out more about the claims process, or to talk to us about your car insurance please email claims@genesisib.co.za with your policy reference number, and a member of the team will get back to your query.