Accidents

• Don't just drive away from an accident, even a minor fender bender. Call the police and have a report made.

• Exchange information with the other driver. Get the names and telephone numbers of as many witnesses as you can.

• As soon as possible after the accident, report it to your insurance company, even if you don't plan to make a claim. If you believe the other driver was at fault, contact his or her insurance company also.

• If there's a dispute about who's at fault, file the claim with your own company. The two companies will duke it out later over the amount each will pay.

• If your vehicle is going to require some repair, ask for a rental car or reimbursement for a rental car. Insist upon a vehicle that is similar to your vehicle.

• Don't agree to release the body shop or the insurer of final responsibility until you're comfortable that the repairs are complete and the vehicle operates properly.

• If you agree to take your car to an insurer's preferred body shop, insist that the insurer provide a lifetime guarantee on the repairs.

• To ensure the collision work was done correctly, consider hiring an independent company to evaluate the repair.

• If your vehicle is totaled, don't accept your insurance company's first settlement offer. Check edmunds.com or look at a used-car price guide to see what your car was worth.

• If you have a 5-year lease or loan and owe more than the car is worth, ask for "substitution of vehicle," in which the loan or lease remains and the insurer finds you a similar vehicle as a replacement.

Clark's car accident guide | Get resources & contacts | Talk about it on our Cars board

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