Car damage? Here’s how to ensure proper handling

Car damage. It happens to everyone from time to time. You’re driving quietly through town, and suddenly…. BAM! A scratch, dent or worse. The first thing that shoots through your mind is, “How do I make sure this is handled properly? And how long will it actually take?” Typically, car damage settlement takes about one to two weeks, depending on the severity of the damage and the speed of your insurer. Fortunately, with a few smart steps, you can make this process go smoothly.

What to do in case of car damage?

Step 1: Safe and photos

Should you have damage from an accident, first make sure everyone is safe. Have you had a minor accident and you can still move your car? Then pull it over so you don’t cause any further accidents. If there are any injuries, call the emergency services immediately, of course. But even with minor damage, it is useful to take photos of the situation. This can help with damage control later.

Tip: Always try to stay calm despite the fact that it is an unwanted situation caused by the other person.

Step 2: Fill in the claim form correctly

Have you ever heard of the European Claims Form? You use this form to record the details of the accident. Make sure you always have this with you in the car. Fill in the details together with the other party involved. Be as complete as possible: note the circumstances of the accident, the damage to both vehicles and any witnesses.

Take photos of the completed form. That way you will always have a digital copy, should anything go wrong with the paper copy.

Step 3: Report the damage as soon as possible

How long claim settlement takes depends on several factors, but acting fast always helps. Once you have filled in the claim form, you should report the damage to your insurer as soon as possible. The faster you do this, the faster they can start the process.

Often, you can easily report the claim online through your insurer’s website. This saves time and makes the process clear. Remember that some insurers have a 48-hour deadline to report damage.

Step 4: Choose a bodyshop

The next step is to choose a bodyshop. Your insurer often has a list of affiliated companies you can go to. Did you know that by going to an affiliated repair shop, you sometimes get a discount on the excess? Moreover, these companies often take care of the administrative hassle with the insurer. Nice and convenient right?

Step 5: Reimbursement and excess

So what about the costs? You often hear the question: will all damages be reimbursed? This depends on your insurance. Do you have all-risk insurance? Then chances are that almost all damage will be reimbursed, minus the excess. With third-party insurance, only the damage to the other party is reimbursed.

The excess is the amount you have to pay yourself in case of damage. This amount can vary depending on your insurance. Did you have the damage repair done by an affiliated company? Then you may pay a lower deductible. Always check this with your insurer in advance to avoid surprises.

Step 6: And now… wait and see

After reporting the damage, choosing a repair company and filling in all the forms, the waiting begins. Generally, this process takes about one to two weeks. This depends on how fast your insurer and the repair company work. Are you dealing with complicated damage or do you need an expertise? Then it may take a little longer.

Don’t worry, most bodyshops keep you well-informed about the progress. You can always call to ask for an update.

Watch out for these common pitfalls!

Let’s look at some of the pitfalls you definitely want to avoid:

• Failure to report on time: Some people wait too long to report damage. This can cause problems with the insurance company. Make sure you report the damage immediately.
• Incomplete claim form: An error in the claim form can delay settlement. So take time to fill it out carefully.
• Opting for an unreliable repair company: Always choose an authorised bodyshop. This will prevent problems afterwards.