Nobody wishes to get into an accident. But if you are unlucky enough to be involved in one, would you know what to do? First, of course, suppose the accident is serious. In that case, you should immediately notify your auto insurance provider, submit a motor accident claim for insurance reimbursement, and have them handle all of the associated costs. But what if the accident is minor? Should you still file a claim?
If you’re injured in a car accident, it’s generally recommended that you pursue compensation through the insurance carrier. However, there are situations when a personal settlement may be preferable to filing a claim. For example, the parties involved agree to settle their dispute without court under a private settlement for car accident.
You should pay the deductible in cases where your vehicle’s damage is thought to be less than or just above the deductible. However, it would be best to estimate the repair costs accurately before opting to handle them out of pocket. Minor damages may sometimes cost a lot more to repair than you would anticipate.
Before you decide, you might want to have the car/s taken to an authorised repair facility and receive a written estimate of the costs.
You ought to do this because should the final bill be above your estimate, you may be unable to make the motor accident claim from your insurance company. This is the case as insurance companies have a time limit for claiming an accident. Check your policy for this information.
Whatever the case, motorists in Australia must report an accident to their insurance company within 24 hours or the next working day after the accident, even if they are not claiming for it.
Even if you decide on a private settlement for a car accident, do not agree not to report the accident. If the other driver decides to report the accident and you don’t, your car insurance policy could be affected. Also, you cannot be sure that the other driver won’t file a claim against you later.
When You Might Want to Opt for a Private Settlement
- The accident is uncomplicated
- It is an accident where only your car is involved.
- No injuries and minimal damage
It is best that if two vehicles are involved, neither of you is hurt, with little damage. Even in such a circumstance, the victim should be familiar to you or someone you can trust for further proceeding with the Car Accident Management Companies. If you don’t know the other driver, you should exercise caution. They might return to their word not to involve insurance firms. Many people who suffer from whiplash are unaware that they have sustained the injury for days, weeks, or months. Some people may be unable to return to work because of this. Some patients may not realise how severe their injuries are until they try to drive again.
You’ve Filed For Other Accidents
Filing a motor accident claim too often through your insurer will hike your premiums. If you file for claims more than twice, you may experience difficulty when it comes to purchasing car insurance. A high motor accident claims record indicates to your insurer that you have a high-risk profile, making them reluctant to insure you.
Conclusion
If you’ve been in a car accident, it’s important to know your next steps. In most cases, it’s recommended that you pursue compensation through the insurance carrier. However, there are times when a private settlement may be preferable. Before making a decision, be sure to get an accurate estimate of the repair costs. If the final bill turns out to be higher than your estimate, you may not be able to file a motor accident claim with your insurance company. If you decide to go to the Accident Management Advice, you should still report the accident to your insurance company.
