6 tips for making a hassle-free auto insurance claim

Oh no!  While you were running errands, your car was struck in the parking lot …

Don’t worry!  We’ve got you covered with our car insurance tips for a smooth and hassle-free claims process.

1. Adapt your response based on the situation 

If the people involved in the accident are injured, your vehicle is stolen, there’s been a hit-and-run or vandalism, report the incident to the police first.

Are you dealing with a fender bender and no one was injured? If another motorist was involved in the accident – or his or her vehicle was parked – fill out a joint report of automobile accident.  This will speed up the processing of the report.

Plan for the unexpected

You should keep a few accident report forms in your vehicle’s glove compartment. Your insurer may have provided you with copies, but you can also find them at the SAAQ or online, ready for you to download and print.

Jot down the following information on your joint report of automobile accident:

• Full names of the vehicles’ owners and any person behind the wheel when a car is loaned
• Their telephone numbers
• Their addresses
• Their driver's licence numbers
• Their auto insurance policy numbers

On the same form, write down the date, time and location of the accident. Describe the situation, without commenting, and attach any drawings made.  You should also take pictures of the damage to your vehicle. A picture is worth a thousand words.

Any witnesses? Jot down their addresses and telephone numbers – their versions of the facts may simplify the process for settling your case.

2. Report the incident immediately

You should report the incident to your insurance company right away so that a file is opened.

Good to know: The Fichier central des sinistres automobiles is a tool used by insurers. When other drivers involved declare your fender bender, but you don't, only their version is on file.   Failure on your part to declare any incident may negatively impact any future claims you make. 

Pressed for time? It’s generally faster declaring an incident online. The process for initiating a claim starts immediately and you can track its progress more easily. How practical is that?

3. Gather key information

The more information you provide, the faster your claim will be settled. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Police report number, if there is one
• A copy of the joint report of automobile accident, if there is one, or the other driver's contact information
• Your policy or auto insurance certificate number
• Your registration certificate number
• Your driver’s licence number or that of the person driving your vehicle

If your vehicle was towed, indicate who towed it and where; keep the towing company’s contact information.

Your insurer may ask you to fill out some forms. Return them as soon as possible after saving or photocopying them for safety purposes.

4. Make sure you can be reached easily 

Your insurance company will mandate someone to guide you through the next steps. The person in charge of your file must be able to reach you easily, as needed.

So indicate the quickest and easiest way to contact you, whether it be by cell phone, home phone or text message. This will go a long way in speeding up the processing of your claim.

In a nutshell, here’s what you should expect

Your insurer will...

- assess the damage and option of having your vehicle repaired

- review your file to understand who was at fault in the accident

- determine the amount of the claim based on your current coverage

5. Make emergency repairs

Based on your situation, your vehicle may need an emergency repair. A broken headlight, a flat tire or cracked windshield? You should have someone repair your vehicle even if you haven’t spoken to your insurance company, especially if someone will be driving your vehicle. Safety first.

If you don’t know whether a repair will be reimbursed, ask your insurance company first to be sure.

6. Keep your invoices and receipts

Make sure to keep all your invoices in order to get the compensation you’re owed, based on the circumstances of the accident and your coverage. Need to take a cab while your vehicle is being repaired? Make sure to keep the receipts for these trips as well.

For a quick settlement, you should have your insurer's business partners do the repairs.  They should be able to assess the work and cost involved, plus arrange to have a car for you to use, pending repairs, in a single appointment.  You’re free, however, to choose a different mechanic or body shop than the ones proposed by your insurer.

Auto insurance can be adapted

If all your affairs are in order, making a claim will be that much easier. One last tip to make sure everything goes smoothly is for you to tailor your auto insurance coverage so that it meets your specific needs in case you run into problems. Go ahead and customize it, it’s yours to use after all!