The auto insurance claims process in Calgary can be pretty daunting—you’ve just had an accident, which is traumatic enough, but you may also be dealing with injury, traffic chaos, an angry driver in the other car, upset passengers, tow trucks, police, loss of time, a wrecked vehicle, finding an auto body and frame repair shop in Calgary… you get the picture.
Don’t be caught unprepared! The best way to deal with an accident and the subsequent auto insurance claims process is to know what to do before it happens to you.
Here are the basic steps to follow after a collision:
Immediately after a collision. If someone is injured or you suspect another driver of having committed a criminal offence like driving under the influence, call 9-1-1 and leave the vehicles where they are; police will want to investigate the scene. If your vehicle is not drivable, turn on your hazard lights and get everyone to a safe place away from traffic until police arrive. If nobody is seriously injured and you can safely move your vehicle out of traffic, do so now. Exchange contact, driver’s license, registration and insurance information with all parties involved. Take pictures and collect information about the collision. If your car is drivable, you may now leave the scene of the incident. If it is not drivable, arrange to have it towed to the garage of your choice. If you suspect that the damage to your vehicle exceeds $2000, you must file a Collision Report Form at a police station.
Notify your insurer. Call your insurer as soon as possible after the incident and give them all the information they require. If another driver is at fault, you may want to file a claim with his or her insurance company. Either way, the insurer may send an appraiser to inspect your vehicle. Take their appraisal to the auto body and frame repair shop of your choice in Calgary; preferably one with a good reputation and a written guarantee. Remember that all matters of job quality and guarantees are between you and the auto body and frame repair shop in Calgary, so choosing a good garage is in your best interest!
At A-Canadian Autobody, we can help take the stress out of your accident insurance claim process. Contact us at A-Canadian Autobody for a free estimate and a free tow to our garage if you choose us to carry out the work.
At A-Canadian Autobody, no deductible is required in many cases and we have an A+ rating with the BBB! And we’ve got the experience to deal with your insurer. Call us today!