Every year, many of us decide to go for a trip across the state, country or maybe close to home. Occasionally an accident happens while en route to your destination.
When this occurs the inconvenience is increased, as the usual help is not readily available. What do you need to do if you have an accident away from home?
The first thing to do is to report the claim. This can be done by reporting it to your agent if the loss happens during business hours, or directly to your insurance company. The next steps depend on your circumstances.
Here are some potential solutions for the three main possible conditions of the vehicle:
Vehicle is Drivable:
- Make necessary repairs, make vehicle operable and complete repairs when you return home.
- With Rental Reimbursement Coverage: Stay at a hotel and work with your adjuster the next day.
- Keep receipts of hotel and meal expenses.
Vehicle is Not Drivable:
- Tow the vehicle to a local body shop and work with the adjuster to repair the vehicle.
- With Rental Reimbursement Coverage: Rent a vehicle to complete the trip or return home and pick up the vehicle when repairs are completed.
- The vehicle can be towed home, with the additional cost at your expense.
Vehicle is a Total Loss:
- If possible, settle the total loss so you can continue the trip, though there may be a delay to allow evaluation of the vehicle’s value.
- With Rental Reimbursement Coverage: Rent a vehicle to finish your trip or return home to settle the loss.
- Rental drop-off fee at your expense.
All these scenarios are possible in any accident. The real key to making the situation less inconvenient is to make sure you and the claim adjuster keep communicating so any issues are minimized.
Automobile losses are always made more challenging by the circumstances, but good communication between the parties will help make the situation less stressful.