Damage following an accident — What do I have to do?

• Documenting damage: After an accident, comprehensive documentation is crucial. Photograph the damage, interview witnesses and record the course of the accident in writing.
• Exchange information and inform insurance companies: Exchange personal data, insurance information and vehicle data with the other party involved in the accident. Report the damage to your insurance company immediately to ensure rapid settlement of claims.
• Assessment and repair: A professional report is important in order to objectively assess the damage and determine the repair costs. Have the vehicle repaired at a certified workshop and clarify the reimbursement of costs with your insurance company.

An accident can happen quickly and often not only causes damage to the body but also uncertainties for those affected. It is important to know which steps are necessary following an accident to settle the damage and meet legal and insurance requirements. This article tells you what to do if you have damage following an accident.

Step 1: Document damage

Comprehensive documentation of the damage is crucial in order to assert claims with the insurance company and take any legal action:

• Take pictures: Photograph the scene of the accident, the vehicles and the damage from different perspectives. Make sure to take both detailed pictures and overall pictures in order to comprehensibly document the entire course of the accident.
• Interrogate witnesses: Write down the contact details of witnesses. They can later provide valuable information to clarify the course of the accident.
• Accident report: Record the course of the accident in writing. Write down the license plates, vehicle models, names and addresses of those involved, as well as the date, time, and location of the accident. This information is important for recording the accident and later clarifying it.

Step 2: Share information

Exchanging information with the other party involved in the accident is an important step towards facilitating claims settlement. You should definitely share the following information here:

• personal data: Exchange names, addresses, and telephone numbers. This information is important for subsequent contact.
• insurance information: Write down the insurance details of the other party involved in the accident, including the insurance number and the name of the insurance company.
• vehicle data: Record license plates, vehicle models, and colors to ensure complete documentation of the accident.

Step 3: Report an accident to the insurance company

Inform your insurance company of the accident as soon as possible. A quick report can speed up the claims settlement process and avoid unnecessary delays.

• Your own insurance: Call your insurance company and give a detailed description of the accident. You will then receive instructions on how to proceed.
• Claim report: Complete and submit your insurance claim form. Include all relevant documents and photos to fully prove the damage.

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Step 4: Obtain expert opinion

An expert opinion is essential to document the damage in detail and to determine the repair costs. There are various reasons why a professional report is so important:

• Documentation of damage: An expert opinion provides detailed and objective documentation of the accident damage. This is particularly important to avoid misunderstandings or disputes with the insurance company.
• Calculation of repair costs: The expert assesses the extent of the damage and calculates the costs for the necessary repairs. This helps to obtain an accurate cost estimate that is relevant to insurance.
• Preserving evidence: A professional report serves as a legally secure document that can be used in court in the event of legal disputes.
• Preventing sequential damage: An experienced expert can also identify hidden damage that is not visible at first glance but can lead to problems in the long term.

Steps to obtain an opinion as an injured party:

• Select reviewer: As an injured party, you have the right to select an expert yourself. Be sure to choose an independent appraiser so that the damage is assessed neutrally. The costs of the appraiser are covered by the insurance of the other party involved in the accident. With HoldeineReviewer we offer you comprehensive expert services that will help you quickly and reliably.
• Claims report: Have a damage report drawn up to record all damage to the vehicle. A detailed report helps to precisely determine the repair costs and prove them to the insurance company.

Step 5: Repair and Handling

Once the damage has been documented and reported, repairing the vehicle is the next step.

• workshop: Have your vehicle repaired at a trusted repair shop. Make sure that the workshop is certified and has experience repairing accidental damage.
• Assumption of costs: Check with your insurance company that the repair costs will be covered. Some insurance companies work directly with specific workshops, which can make the process easier.
• car rental: If necessary, you can rent a car while your vehicle is being repaired. Clarify in advance whether your insurance will cover the costs of the rental car.

conclusion

Damage following an accident is always an unpleasant experience, but with the right steps, you can better manage the situation. From documenting the damage to reporting it to the insurance company and making repairs — a structured procedure helps you to keep track of things. Use our expert service for HoldeineReviewerto receive professional support and to efficiently regulate the damage.

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FAQ

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