Hello everyone! Whether you love speed, like to take it easy, or anything in between, if you're on the road every day, the one thing none of us wants is an "accident", right? But since it's something we can't control 100%, what we can do is "be prepared" and "know what to do" so the situation doesn't escalate and you get full coverage.
Today OMC Broker, your insurance buddy, sums up the key steps to take after a car accident in a short, simple, easy-to-follow way, so you don't panic and can handle the situation like a pro. Let's take a look!
Step 0 Take a deep breath and stay calm!
First of all, "keep calm"! Many people may feel shocked, flustered, angry or a whole mix of emotions, but getting a grip quickly helps you make better decisions and handle the situation as effectively as possible.
Step 1 Safety first
- Very important: whatever happens, never argue, quarrel or get physical with the other party! Collect only the information you need and wait for the insurance staff/police to handle it.
- If it's a minor accident, the car can still be moved and no one is injured, quickly move the car to a safe spot at the roadside or on the shoulder so it doesn't block traffic and to prevent a second accident.
- If it's a serious accident, the car can't be moved, someone is injured, or you're in a dangerous spot, do not move the car! Turn on your hazard lights, place a warning triangle or set up something as a warning signal for other road users, and call the emergency services (rescue, police) immediately.
Step 2 Collect complete evidence
These days a mobile phone is a must! Besides social media, it's also an important tool for collecting evidence after an accident.
- Take as many photos as possible Photograph the damage to both cars (or all the cars) from many angles, including impact marks on the road surface, the point of impact, the overall scene and the surroundings.
- Photograph the other party's licence plate Very important! It's used to confirm their identity.
- Photograph the other party's driving licence and ID card (if possible) If the other party cooperates, this makes the information more complete.
- Photograph any third parties (if any) If there are witnesses at the scene, it's a good idea to ask for a photo and their contact number too.
- Record video (if you can) This gives a clearer overall picture of what happened.
- Note down the details Date, time, location, direction of travel, and the other party's name, phone number and insurance details.
Step 3 Call your insurer immediately
Once you've collected the basic evidence, the most important next step is to "call your insurance company"!
- Have the information ready Tell them what happened, the date, time and location, what car you and the other party (if any) are driving, the licence plates, and whether anyone was injured.
- Give a contact phone number So the staff can call you back and send a surveyor to the scene quickly.
- Wait for the surveyor Once you've reported the incident, the staff will advise you on the next steps; wait for the surveyor to arrive at the scene to inspect, assess the damage and issue a claim form.
OMC Broker recommends saving your insurance company's Call Center number in your phone so you can call right away in an emergency! Or if you can't remember it, just call OMC Broker. We're happy to advise you and coordinate for you.
Step 4 Wait for the staff to sort it out
When the surveyor arrives, they will take the lead in handling the incident.
- Give truthful information Describe what happened as it really happened and answer the surveyor's questions.
- Show the evidence you collected Show the photos, videos or other information you recorded to support the assessment.
- Sign the claim form Once the surveyor has assessed the damage and issued the claim form, check that the details are correct before signing.
- Very important: never agree on damages or admit any fault to the other party yourself! Leave it to the insurance company to negotiate and handle it according to the policy conditions.
Step 5 Check and follow up
After the incident and once the claim form has been issued, that's not the end of it. You need to follow up too!
- Take the car in for repair Take the car to a garage in the insurance company's network or a garage of your choice (according to the policy conditions).
- Follow the progress You can call the garage to ask about repair progress or contact the insurance company to check your claim status.
- Inspect the repairs before collecting the car When the repairs are finished, don't forget to check the quality of the work thoroughly before taking the car back.
Quick summary (easy-to-remember version)
- Stay calm!
- Safety first! (Move the car if you can / don't move it if it's dangerous)
- Take photos! (Key evidence)
- Call your insurer! (Contact the Call Center)
- Wait for the staff! (Don't settle anything yourself)
- Follow up! (Check your entitlements)
How important is car insurance?
In an unexpected situation like an accident, having comprehensive and suitable car insurance is extremely important.
- Reduces your financial burden No need to pay a large sum to repair your car or compensate the other party.
- Peace of mind on every journey Experts help handle the hassle when something happens.
- Covers damage Whether to your car, the other party or third parties (depending on the policy type).
- Emergency assistance Some policies include emergency assistance, such as towing or an emergency mechanic at the scene, which is very useful.
Car insurance is like a shield that gives you peace of mind and reduces worry when the unexpected happens. OMC Broker is ready to advise you and select car insurance that fits your lifestyle, whether Class 1, Class 2+, Class 3+ or other types of insurance. We're ready to look after you from start to finish, because your safety is what we care about most!
Interested in car insurance? Contact OMC Broker today!
OMC Broker is a professional broker that brings together car insurance from all of Thailand's leading insurers in one place, including Viriyah, Bangkok Insurance, Roojai, Thanachart and many other leading companies. We select the most comprehensive, best-value insurance plans for you to compare transparently, with a team of advisors offering impartial advice so you get insurance that matches your needs and budget. All of this is easy through a convenient, secure and fast online system. No travelling, no wasted time, because OMC Broker takes care of every step, all in one place!
