What to Do After a Car Accident and How to Claim For Car Damages

On any given day, even the safest driver can get into a car accident. The event itself can be stressful to the parties involved and the damages can range from minor dents or injuries to severe total loss or permanent disability to the drivers and passengers alike.

Although car accidents can be an inconvenient and sometimes painful experience, far too often the biggest challenge after an accident is the amount of time spent on claims for damages from an insurer. Read on to find out how you can submit a hassle-free car insurance claim after getting into a road accident.

Steps you need to take if you are involved in a car accident:

1. Don’t panic and move your vehicle aside
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   The first thing that you need to do after a car accident is to stay calm. Check to see if your passenger is hurt and move your car to a safer location to avoid blocking the traffic.
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2. Call Generali's 24/7 Roadside Assistance
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   Call your roadside assistance if your car is not safe to drive and the local emergency hotline at 999 if you require medical assistance. But remember, do not leave the scene. If you have SmartDrive Safe Bravo Safe (SOS button), just press it and an officer will call you back immediately to assist.
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3. Collect evidence and exchange information with the other party involved
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   Snap photos of the scene and vehicles involved especially the damaged parts and car registration numbers clearly. You should also collect and exchange information with the other party like name, IC number, contact number, and driving license number. You may also want to get the car’s information like car make and model when you make a police report later.
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4. Make a police report within 24 hours after the accident
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   You are required by law to make a police report within 24 hours of the accident. This is vital as police reports are mandatory for an insurance claim. You can also request for a certified copy of the report as you may need it later during your insurance claim process.
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   For minor damage and your car is still safe to drive, please notify us via WhatsApp at 03-21708282.
   
   Filing or submitting a car insurance claim is fast and easy now. For damages of less than RM5000, we will provide the claim decision and offer cash for approved claims within 1 business day. The cash will be transferred into your bank account within 3 business days! It's a breeze!
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   Upon claim submission, you will receive a secure code to start tracking your motor claim status online.
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5. Inform Generali Customer Service within 7 days after the accident and submit your claim online
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   You will be advised on the documents you need to prepare before filing your claim online. With a clear step-by-step guide, submitting an accident claim has never been smoother!
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6. ‍Send your car to our Authorized Panel and Preferred Workshops
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   Generali Malaysia has a nationwide network of the authorized panel and preferred workshops that can assist you with repairs and claim submissions. All you need to do is send your car to an authorized workshop at your most convenient location to get the repair works started. If your car needs to be towed by our Road Rescue, inform the driver to send your car to the preferred/panel workshop of your choice.
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It is always important to know what you are covered for when making a car insurance claim. Hence before purchasing your policy, it is best to find out more about the benefits and coverage limits for the policy you are paying for.

Types of car insurance coverage you need to know

1. Third-Party Fire and Theft
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   With this coverage, your car is covered for damage or loss caused by fire, explosion, lightning, and theft only. Your policy also covers loss or damage to third party property and bodily injury to the third party.
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2. Comprehensive Cover
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   One of the most popular car insurance coverage in Malaysia is the comprehensive car insurance coverage, as it covers damages or loss caused by accident, theft, fire, and more. It also covers loss or damages to property and bodily injury to a third party.
   
   Besides that, Generali's comprehensive car insurance comes with additional coverage like flood and landslide, windscreen, and Drivers & Passengers Protection.
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3. Third-Party Cover
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   If you have a third-party cover, this will only allow the third party to claim for damages and loss to their property and bodily injury under your policy. It means any bodily injury or damage or loss to a third party’s property caused by you will be indemnified by your insurer.
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Understanding your car insurance coverage will help you know what you are entitled to when it comes to filing an insurance claim after being in a car accident. You can always ask your agent or call your car insurance provider directly if you have any question regarding your policy coverage.