13 Jun How to Document Accident Damage for Insurance Purposes
After being in a car accident, the last thing on your mind is how to provide documentation of the accident damage to your auto insurance company. However, if you want the best chance of getting your claim approved and the funds you need for auto repairs, it’s important to document all damage thoroughly, starting at the scene of the accident.
At National Auto Collision Centers, our team has decades of experience working with small local insurers and large national auto insurance companies. We understand what insurance companies are looking for when they approve, deny, or minimize claims. Here is our guide to how to document vehicle damage for insurance purposes after an accident or collision.
Start at the Scene of the Accident
Start by taking photos and videos of the scene. Then take more detailed photos of the damage to your vehicle and any other vehicles involved. Make sure to get pictures or video of:
- Any traffic lights or road signs in the immediate area
- Position of any security cameras or traffic cameras that could have caught the accident
- Debris in the road
- Skid marks
- Damage to nearby property due to the accident
- The positions of all vehicles involved
- Road obstructions or anything else that could have contributed to the accident
- License plates of all vehicles involved
- Physical injuries to anyone involved in the accident (with their permission)
Once You Have Been Cleared, Record Everything on Paper
Once you and your passengers have been cleared to leave the accident site, find a quiet place where you can stop and think for a moment. Write down everything you can remember about the accident on paper, in your phone, or on your computer. You can even record a voice memo. Be sure to mention the time of day, weather, road conditions, speed you were driving, and any hazards or obstructions you encountered.
Gather Supporting Documents
When you are ready to file your auto insurance claim or talk to a personal injury lawyer, gather all of your supporting documents together. This includes:
- Photos and videos of the accident scene and damage
- Written or recorded statements from you, passengers, witnesses, and anyone else involved
- Police reports
- Security footage
- Insurance policy information
- Contact information for passengers, other drivers involved, and witnesses
Get a Professional Collision Damage Inspection
When you file your insurance claim, your adjuster will want to have a professional assessment of the vehicle damage and an estimate for the cost of auto repairs and body work. Bring your vehicle to a local automotive repair and collision center like National Auto Collision Centers. Experienced auto technicians will do a comprehensive visual and diagnostic inspection of your vehicle to determine all areas of damage. They will then provide you and your insurance company with a detailed report of their findings, the necessary automotive repairs and body repairs needed, and an estimate.
At National Auto Collision Centers, our accident checklist can help you determine what to do after an accident. We offer major and minor collision repair, convenient towing and pickup services, assistance with getting a loaner vehicle or rental car, and delivery of your vehicle when repairs are complete. Call us today or contact us online to schedule an appointment at one of our auto and collision centers in Tucson, AZ.