You’re driving, and suddenly, there’s a loud crash. Your heart races as you realise you’ve just been in a car accident. It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed and unsure about what to do next in such a situation.
Here are some helpful steps to take when you’ve been in an accident and need to claim from your insurance company.
The steps to claiming from insurance
Getting into a car accident is a stressful experience, and dealing with the aftermath can feel confusing. In this blog, we explain the step-by-step process of making a car insurance claim. And by following our tips, you’ll be able to easily navigate the process and get the support you need.
1. Safety always comes first after an accident
Immediately after you’ve been in a car accident, your focus should be on your safety and the safety of others. Make sure everyone is out of harm’s way and get medical attention if necessary.
It’s a good idea to take pictures of the scene and get the contact details of any eyewitnesses, as this is valuable evidence to support your claim.
2. File a police report and get a case number
If the accident led to injuries, death, or damage due to you hitting a car or another property, you should contact the police and report the incident.
The police will document the accident, take statements from everyone involved, and provide a case number. Keep this case number nearby, as you’ll need it throughout the claims process.
3. Contact your insurer as soon as possible
It’s time to notify your insurance company about the accident. Contact their helpline or claims department as soon as possible after the incident and give them accurate and detailed information about what happened, including the date, time, location, and description of the incident. They may ask for your policy details and other relevant documents, so have them ready when you contact them.
With Prime South Africa, you can easily access your policy documents from our mobile app. Plus, you can lodge a claim on the app, online portal, or call us directly. Just make sure you do this no later than 48 hours after the incident. Depending on your policy details, our friendly Prime team will also help tow your car if needed.
4. Get evidence to support your claim
When you submit your claim, you should include as much evidence as possible. Use the photos of the damage to your car and the other cars involved, and get witnesses to give their accounts of what happened. Remember to collect any evidence that will strengthen your case during the claims process.
5. Complete the claims form in detail
Your insurer will give you a claims form you should fill out. Complete it accurately and honestly, and give detailed information such as your personal details, policy number, and a description of what happened. Remember to attach any supporting documents, such as the police report and the photographs you took.
6. An assessor will look at the damages
Once your claim is lodged, an assessor from the insurance company will examine the damage to your vehicle. They may arrange an inspection or ask you to take your car to an approved repair centre. The exact damages and estimated cost of repairs will make up the damage report which will be sent to the insurance provider.
7. Your insurer may offer to repair or payout
After considering the damage, your insurer will decide on the course of action. They may opt to repair your vehicle using their network of approved repairers. Alternatively, if the damage is beyond repair, depending on your policy, they may offer you a settlement based on the value of your car.
8. Be ready to pay the excess fee
When making a claim, you may need to pay an excess fee. This is the amount agreed upon beforehand that you pay before an insurance company covers the remaining costs. Ensure you understand your policy’s excess terms and be prepared to make this payment if necessary.
However, if you’re insured by Prime, you get the unique benefit of our reduce-to-zero excess. Terms and conditions apply, so make sure you understand how this works.
9. Keep in regular contact with your insurer
Throughout the claims process, it’s best to stay in regular contact with your insurer. Ask for updates on the progress of your claim and clarify any questions or concerns you have. Good communication will help you get a smooth and efficient resolution to your claim.
We’re proud to say that at Prime, our team has been praised on review platforms like Hellopeter for their caring, transparent customer service when they receive a claims request.
Prime makes claiming easy
Was your car stolen or damaged less than 48 hours ago? If you’re already part of the Prime family, start your claim online today with our mobile app. Alternatively, phone 011 745 7800 during office hours to speak to one of our Claims Services Professionals.
Navigating the car insurance claims process in South Africa doesn’t have to be daunting. Simply remember to gather your evidence and stay in touch with your insurer. With patience and cooperation, you’ll soon have your own car back on the road.
If you’re looking for affordable car insurance with a provider that makes claiming online easy, explore our various car insurance options or get a quick online quote today.
Disclaimer
This article provides general information on claiming car insurance in South Africa. However, the exact process may differ from one insurance provider to another.
Remember to always buy car insurance with much thought and only through a certified financial services provider.
Contact us today and learn more about getting affordable, comprehensive car insurance with fixed premiums* and a reduce-to-zero excess*. *T&Cs apply.
