Nicks Tips #19 When Bad Things Happen to Good Cars

Hello 

The simple fact is that sometimes bad things happen to good cars.  A few days ago, my wife had an accident in our Lexus.  My wife is an excellent driver.  But there are some drivers out there who aren't quite as excellent.  I imagine you've noticed something similar from time to time.

I'm delighted to say that the car did what it was supposed to do to protect my family.  And I'm not so delighted to recognize that we have some clean up work to be done.   So what are the first things to do when you've been in an accident?  Here are a few suggestions:

1. Carry a disposable camera in your car.  If your batteries in your digital camera happen to be out, this will give you a reliable alternative for taking pictures of your car, any other cars involved, the location of the accident, time of day and anything else that might be helpful.  Also, before you forget the details, write down a few notes, as objectively as you can, about what happened.  It's an emotional time, and that makes it hard to remember all the details later, so try to do it the same day.

2. Exchange all the information with the other drivers - names, drivers license, insurance company, policy numbers, and contact information, license plates, make, model and year of the other cars.  Even if it seems as though no significant damage has been done, or the other driver is suggesting not involving the insurance companies, it's very difficult to get this information afterward.  Better a little too much information that not enough.

3. It's good manners and just plain human to express concern about how the other people are doing.  This is not the same as admitting fault.  At the same time, don't be too quick to say that you're not injured.  There are some types of injuries that can occur during an accident that are not plain at the time, but can be debilitating days later.

4. Do call for police, especially if any damage or injuries have occured.  Make sure that you speak directly to the police officer who is completing the report to present your side of the story.  Get the report number from the officer before he or she leaves the scene so you can get a copy later.

5. If there was more than 750 dollars of damage. or if anyone was injured or killed, complete and file a copy of the DMV SR1 report form with the DMV.  You can find a copy at this link.  http://dmv.ca.gov/forms/sr/sr1.htm  This report must be filed within 10 days.

And then come the more tedious issues.  Does the damage to the car cost more to repair than the car is worth?  What are your insurance policy's coverages?  Read through your entire policy to find out whether you have coverage for what the car was worth, or for the replacement cost.  Does your policy cover rental cars while your car is repaired or replaced?  What are the insurance company's requirements about factory parts?

Sometimes insurance companies can take a while to finish the setllement.  In the meantime, because you may be needing a new car, there are often things that we can do at the dealership to make the transition pretty straightforward.   You're always welcome to call or write when ever I may be of help.

While I usually I hope you find these tips useful, this is one tip I hope you never need.

Best wishes for safe driving!