OPINION ARTICLES

In the likely, yet unfortunate, event that you are involved in a motor vehicle accident NEVER:

1. Flee the scene of the accident, or lose your temper
2. Forget to call the police and, if necessary, a medical service (i.e. ER24)
3. Fail to contact your 24-hour assist service (if offered by your insurance broker). They will assist with dispatching medical teams, authorising towing services, informing your insurance company, advise you on what to do and assist with the claims procedure
4. Admit any form of liability or accept the fault of an accident at the scene, or even afterwards
5. Delay contacting your insurance company to report the accident
6. Neglect proper documentation or the exchange of vital information:
   • Take photos of the scene and the cars involved
   • Get the other driver’s name, address and insurance details
   • Take note of the make, model, colour and license plate of all the vehicles involved
   • Write down the names and numbers of any witnesses
7. Accept payment of your excess from the third party. If circumstances are risky, then you are allowed to accept it. However, it must be specified that it is not in full and final settlement. Your insured will still recover the balance of the repair costs. It is important that you have this in writing
8. Pay for any third party damages, including but not limited to the third party excess
9. Arrange for any quotes or repairs to the third party the vehicle
10. Post information about the accident on social media

These pointers will assist the claims process, and avoid or even prevent that legal action is taken against you.

Source: Santam