You were involved in an accident. Now what happens? The first step is to report it to your broker, agent or insurance company as soon as possible. Have all the facts in hand. Provide details about the accident as well as information on all drivers and vehicles involved. Once the claim has been reported, a claims adjuster will be assigned to your file. The adjuster will determine the extent to which the claim is covered by your insurance policy, explain the coverage provided by the policy and guide you through the claims process.

If another vehicle was involved in the accident, the next step is to determine the degree of fault of all drivers. Fault rules vary by province.

For New Brunswick and Ontario drivers, the degree of fault will be based on the Fault Determination Rules—regulations put in place to help insurance companies provide consumers with prompt claims-handling and consistent treatment. These rules can be applied to almost every possible collision scenario regardless of road or weather conditions, visibility or point of impact on the vehicles. The circumstances of an accident may show that more than one driver was partially at fault, in which case fault for an accident can be shared.

Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador operate under fault-based systems. Both provinces allow, with limits, accident victims to sue at-fault drivers for pain, suffering and loss of income.

Consult your provincial transportation ministry and local CAA Club for more specific details about fault regulations in your province.

Remember that when you lend your vehicle to others, you also lend your insurance to them. If the individual driving your vehicle is at fault in an accident, the accident will be applied to your insurance record and your insurance premium could go up.

Once fault has been determined, the claims adjuster will outline the precise coverage that is available to you, as well as any deductible that may apply.

The claims process will be easier to understand if you know the details of your coverage. Read your province’s automobile policy for details about your insurance coverage and your rights and responsibilities under this contract.

Your claims adjuster is there to keep you informed, answer any of your questions and settle your claim quickly, fairly and accurately.

For more information or rate comparisons on your auto and/or property insurance, contact or visit your local CAA location.

RELATED ARTICLES

+ 7 Ways to Save Cash on Your Car: Money-saving tips that take the sting out of filling up.

+ Mind the Mess: Why keeping your car clean and organized is a safe bet.

CONTESTS & OFFERS

+ Feeling lucky? Enter CAAMagazine.ca's current contests and offers for your chance to win.