BOISE - Idaho is bracing for a
major winter storm on Wednesday that could bring several
inches, maybe several feet in higher elevations, of snow
to the state.
Snowy, icy road conditions can
lead to accidents, potential injuries and auto insurance
claims. Having sufficient Auto
Insurance can help alleviate many of the financial headaches
caused by car accidents, depending on your coverage and
deductibles.
Filing
an insurance claim is the first step to getting you
and your vehicle back on the road, but the process can seem
stressful - especially if you've never done it before.
"Knowing what to do immediately
following an accident can reduce stress and save vehicle
owners time and money," said Karl Newman, NW Insurance Council
president. "Drivers also can take the headache out of being
involved in an auto accident with some advance planning."
If you are involved in an automobile
accident, NW Insurance
Council offers the following tips to help you handle
the situation effectively.
Immediately following an accident:
- If anyone is injured, call for medical assistance immediately.
Provide basic first aid, but don't move an injured person.
Wait for professional medical help.
- Take reasonable steps to prevent further damage to your
car such as setting up flares, getting the car off the
road and calling a tow truck.
- Call the police or highway patrol and wait for them
at the accident scene.
- Write down these key facts to help you with your insurance
claim:
- All other drivers' license and vehicle license plate
numbers.
- Other drivers' insurance company name, policy number,
agent phone number.
- Names, addresses, and phone numbers of all drivers
and passengers.
- Witnesses' names, addresses and phone numbers.
- Take photos (from several angles) of the vehicles
and the accident scene. Be sure to photograph the
license plate of the other vehicle(s).
- Make a rough sketch of the scene and note details
of the accident such as time of day, road and weather
conditions, street names and direction and speed of
travel.
- Call your insurance company to report the accident
within 24 hours.
- Get a copy of the police report.
- Keep copies of all documents related to the accident.
Filing a claim
- Contact your insurance agent or company immediately.
Ask the representative what documents are needed to support
your claim.
- Keep records of your expenses related to the accident.
These expenses may be reimbursable under your policy.
- Maintain copies of all your paperwork, including the
police report and repair estimates.
Before an accident:
- Keep a notebook and pen in the glove compartment to
help you record important information about the accident.
You also may want to include an inexpensive "throwaway"
camera.
- Keep your insurance company's claims reporting phone
number in your wallet or purse.
- Always carry your vehicle registration and insurance
card.
- If you are allergic to certain medicines or require
special medical attention, keep a medical alert card with
you at all times - whether you are the driver or a passenger.
It's also important to take the appropriate safety measures.
NW Insurance Council offers these winter-weather driving
tips to help you and your family safely get to your destination:
Winter weather driving tips:
- Before your trip, know the current road conditions
and the forecast for your route and destination.
- If you're crossing mountains, take chains or other
traction devices. If possible, install studded tires
before your trip.
- Keep an emergency winter driving kit in your car.
The kit should include blankets, water, high-energy
snacks, and highway warning devices, flares, flashlights
and batteries.
- Be aware of potentially dangerous icy areas such as
shady spots, bridges and overpasses. Approach these
areas with caution. These areas are usually the first
places to get icy, and often the ice is invisible.
- Stay on main roads as much as possible. Road crews
normally clear main roads and highways first. In case
of an emergency, you have a better chance of getting
help on a main route.
- If you start to slide, avoid over-acceleration, pump
your brakes gently and steer into the direction of the
slide.
- If you have anti-lock brakes, do not pump your brakes.
Instead, press firmly on the brake pedal and hold it
down, allowing the anti-lock mechanism to work.
- Drive with your headlights on low beam when driving
in falling snow. Low beam provides better illumination
in snow than high beam.
- Consider towing coverage as a safeguard in the event
you do slide off the road or you're involved in an accident.
Most Auto Insurance policies do not automatically cover
towing, but is available for $10 to $20 more per year
and provides towing for other hazards such as vehicle
breakdown. Check your policy or call your insurance
company or agent to verify whether or not you have towing
coverage
To order a free brochure, How
to File an Insurance Claim, or for more information
on winter-weather driving, visit NW
Insurance Council or call (800) 664-4942.
NW Insurance Council is a nonprofit,
public-education organization funded by member insurance
companies serving Washington, Oregon and Idaho.
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