How To Handle Auto Accident Claims

Here are five common auto-accident scenarios and tips on how to best handle them:

One-car accidents. If you're involved in a single-car accident, call the police right away to file an accident report. Even when no one else is involved, the police report can provide documentation that helps make filing your claim easier. Notify your insurer and file a claim on your collision insurance to cover the damage.

The other driver doesn't report the claim to his insurance company. If you're involved in a two-car accident, don't forget to write down the other driver's insurance information, address and phone number. If the other driver is found at fault and doesn't report the claim to his insurance company, you can contact his insurer directly.

You're hit by an uninsured driver and you don't have uninsured motorist coverage. Unfortunately, you don't have any options in this case. You can make a claim on your own collision insurance and ask the other driver to reimburse you for your deductible. If he or she refuses, you can sue him or her to get your deductible back. But if you don't have collision insurance, you're basically out of luck.

You find a dent in your car and the driver didn't leave a note. It's better not to file a claim on minor dents and scratches. Some insurance companies will raise your premium if you file claims on several minor accidents. If it costs only a little more than your deductible to fix it, forget filing a claim.

Another driver is clearly at fault in an accident and offers to pay for the damage in cash rather than file a claim. If you have even the slightest hint of an injury, don't accept the offer. Sometimes injuries won't show up for another 24 hours, making it difficult to assess how extensive your injuries may be. Treating injuries can cost thousands of dollars.

- Adapted from Insure.com Web site