Accident scenes are filled with many emotions and pressures contributing to incomplete information.
You've been in a car accident and it wasn't your fault. You remained at the scene and obtained what you thought was all the information you need. When you get home to start the process of repairing your car, you realize you didn't get all the information you needed. While you may have gotten the other party's name and insurance policy number, you may have overlooked getting a phone number or the insurance company. You will need to locate the insurance company by the policy number to receive your rightful benefits.
Instructions
1. Review the information you do have. This includes the name, policy number and the license plate number. Write this information down along with the accident information in one concise outline.
2. Request any police report generated. If the police arrived at the scene of the accident, they may have provided you with a location report; this isn't going to be as detailed as the official report. It may take several days to get a copy of the report.
3. Call your own insurance agent. Unfortunately there is no database for insurance companies and how insurance policies are numbered. However, experienced insurance agents, claims adjusters and customer service representatives may recognized a number as their own company or a company they have frequently dealt with.
4. Contact major insurance companies in the area. Ask to speak with the claims department. Provide them with the policy number and any other information you may have regarding the accident. While some companies may be very forthright in letting you know if the policy is one of theirs, you may need to act as if you already know the policy belongs to the company. When they say it isn't one of their policies, then you move on to the next one.
5. Contact the Department of Motor Vehicles in your area. The DMV maintains driver's license, license plate and relevant insurance information. If you have enough information, the DMV may be able to locate the information for you. Keep in mind that privacy is paramount in government agencies, and the DMV representative may require the police or your insurance agent to go through proper protocol.
Tips Warnings
If you are in an accident, use the phone on your camera to take a picture of the scene, the other person, any witnesses as well as the driver's license and insurance card. These pictures may be your best resource in obtaining all the information required for you to be paid for damages.
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