No matter how experienced of a driver you are, accidents happen and whether big or small, they can be confusing and stressful to navigate. Knowing what to do if you're involved in an accident can help reduce some of that stress and anxiety, so here’s some steps you should take if you find yourself involved in one.
First, take a deep breath. It’s best to stay calm following an accident so you can assess the situation with a clear head.
If you can, safely move your car out of the way, such as to the side of the road or a nearby parking lot. This will help keep you safe and prevent any additional accidents. Turn off the engine and turn on your hazard lights.
If your car is too severely damaged to be moved, turn off the engine, put your hazard lights on, safely remove yourself from the car and find a safe place to wait and exchange details with any third party and witnesses. Your AMI Car Insurance policy covers the costs of towing your car from the accident site to a safe place.
Next, check everyone is okay. If anyone is injured call emergency services immediately for ambulance and police assistance. If the crash involved someone else’s personal property and you can’t get in touch with the owner, you’ll need to report the accident to police within 60 hours of the accident1.
If there are other parties involved in the accident, it's important to exchange contact and insurance information with them. Be sure to collect the following information from any other drivers involved:
If the other driver refuses to provide this information, note down their vehicle registration number and report it to the police.
If there are any witnesses to the accident, it’s helpful to gather their contact information as well as this can be useful when determining who was at fault.
Take photos of any damage to your car as well as any other vehicles involved. It’s also helpful to take pictures of the surrounding area, including street signs and traffic lights as it can be useful for any insurance claim you make.
Once you’re ready, lodge your claim with your insurance provider. You could do this at the scene or once you get home. Your insurer will guide you through the process and provide you with info on what will happen next.
If you’re an AMI customer, we’re on your side. You can lodge your claim by calling us on 0800 100 200 or you can submit your accident claim online. Alternatively, you can use the AMI app to make a claim quickly. Once your claim is lodged, you can track its progress every step of the way from your My AMI online account. And if you need help, our contact information is right at your fingertips.
Learn more about AMI Car Insurance here. Get a quote and buy online, or call us on 0800 100 200.
1. What should I do if I’ve been involved in a minor car crash? | NZ Police - https://www.police.govt.nz/faq/what-should-i-do-if-ive-been-involved-in-a-minor-car-crash
This article is intended to provide general information only, and should not be substituted for any legal, financial, or other professional advice. The information in this article is generally sourced from third-party websites and IAG New Zealand Limited does not guarantee or accept any liability for the accuracy of that information. Any references to third party websites in this article are not intended to constitute a recommendation or any endorsement by IAG New Zealand Limited.
