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Understand the Claims Process Before an Auto Accident, Says I.I.I.

INSURANCE INFORMATION INSTITUTE
Contact: Press Offices
New York: 212-346-5500; media@iii.org
Washington, D.C.: 202-833-1580

NEW YORK, October 14, 2008 - Knowing how the claims process works and understanding your insurance coverage is important when filing an auto insurance claim after crash. Whether it is a fender-bender or a serious accident, knowing what to do at the scene of an accident will keep you safer and make the claims process go more smoothly, according to the ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Information Institute (I.I.I.).

To help consumers become familiar with the claims process, the I.I.I. has created a podcast that can be viewed or downloaded from the I.I.I. Video page: Five Steps to Follow When Filing an Auto ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Claim. It outlines the steps that consumers should take when filing an insurance claim after an automobile accident. The podcast is also available on iTunes and can be found by typing, "ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Information Institute" into the search field.

"Consumers with questions regarding the claims procedures of their insurer, or who have questions regarding their insurance coverage should contact their or agent or company representative before an auto accident occurs," said Jeanne M. Salvatore, senior vice president and consumer spokesperson for the I.I.I. "It is better to find out that additional insurance or recordkeeping is needed, while there is still time to remedy the situation."

The auto claims podcast can work as a useful reference tool that consumers can access quickly in the event of an accident.

The I.I.I. suggests the following five steps when filing an auto insurance claim:

1. Assess the damage. Stop your car and, if possible, pull over to the side of the road. Check to see whether anyone is injured.
2. Call the police or highway patrol. Describe the accident and tell the police how many people were injured and the extent of the injuries. The police will notify the nearest medical unit. When the police arrive, get the names and badge numbers of the officers, and ask where you can obtain a copy of the police report. You will need the report when you file a claim.
3. Gather information. Keep good records of the accident. Always have a pad and pencil in your glove compartment as well as a disposable camera. You can also use your cellphone to take pictures of the scene of the accident showing where it occurred and the cars involved. It is very important to get the names and phone numbers of everyone involved in the accident, including witnesses. The more details the better.
4. Call your agent or company representative. Be prepared to describe the nature of the accident and whether it was a fender-bender or a very serious crash involving extensive damage and multiple injuries.
5. File a claim. Call your agent or company representative as soon as possible regardless of who was at fault. Ask how you should proceed and what forms or documents are needed to support your claim. Carefully fill out the forms, providing as much detail as possible. Keep good records-get the names and phone numbers of everyone you speak with and copies of any bills related to the accident.

For more information about insurance and claims filing, go to the .

To view or download the podcast, go to Five Steps to Follow When Filing an Auto ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Claim. Or, go to iTunes and type "ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ Information Institute" into the search field.

The I.I.I. is a nonprofit, communications organization supported by the insurance industry.