Accident Guide

Here are some helpful suggestions and tips for what to do if an accident occurs. This will also help us manage your claims efficiently so that we can get you/your client back on the road as soon as possible.

If you have had a Windscreen claim please click on this link

At the Scene of an Accident

First

• If you are not injured, attend to any injured person first
• If injuries are serious call an ambulance immediately (Dial 111 and SND from Mobile) - never move a crash victim unless it is absolutely necessary.
• The only time you should move a crash victim before medical assistance arrives is when the person is trapped in a vehicle that is on fire or in danger of catching fire, or it is necessary to move them to give CPR, give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation or to stop severe bleeding
• Get/accept assistance from others nearby if safe to and if possible
• Be careful about remaining on the road - move the vehicle(s) and people to a position of safety if possible
• If you cannot move off the road, where possible warn other motorists and turn on your hazard lights if possible
• Stay clear of undeployed airbags - they can deploy with force some minutes after a crash and could injure you and/or an injured/trapped person. Stay clear of any spillage or dangerous substance.
• Call the Police if serious injury is involved, if you believe the other party is at fault but they appear to dispute this, or if you feel threatened or unsafe in any way - you are legally required to tell a police officer after serious injury as soon as possible and no later than 24 hours after a crash.
• You are also responsible for removing any broken glass, rubbish or other debris that falls onto the road from your vehicle.

• Ensure it is safe to drive before returning home or back to work/base
• If you vehicle is immobile or unsafe to drive, have it towed to a place of safety (never abandon it). We do not support Tow Brokers or Collision Brokers, so ensure you contact a tow company direct.
• Remove valuable possessions from the vehicle before it is towed away.

• If the other party admits liability, ask them to make and sign a simple written statement and if possible, get someone (other than a passenger in your vehicle) to witness this
• NEVER admit liability or make any offer of payment to any party involved - leave that to us to determine
• Remain calm - accidents are just that - accidental. You can't turn back the clock and arguing at the scene does not help. Remember that together with your Broker, we will handle things for you once you make contact with them/us
• Take down details of the other party whether they admit liability or you think you might be at fault. Be prepared for the other party to also gather this information from you
  * Year, Make, Model, Colour and Registration Number of the other vehicle
  * Name, Address and Telephone number of the Driver of the other vehicle
  * Name, Address and Telephone number of the Owner of the other vehicle (if the Driver is not the Owner)
  * Name of the Insurer of the other vehicle, and if possible which Branch Office, or name of their insurance Agent or Broker
• You are legally obligated to give your details to the owner or driver of any other vehicle that has been damaged, or to the owner of any property that has been damaged. If you can't locate these people you must tell a police officer as soon as possible and no later than 60 hours after the crash.
  

• Date, Time and Weather conditions
• What the light was like
• What the condition of the road seal was
• Exactly where the accident happened
• Direction, Speed etc of your vehicle and of the other vehicle
• Name, Number and Station of any Police Officer attending
• A list of damage to your vehicle, and to the other vehicle
• A list of damage to any other property (poles, fences etc)
• Draw a sketch plan of the accident scene, showing road, lanes, traffic lights, exact positions and directions of both/all vehicles, skid marks, where on your vehicle impact occurred etc. Anything you think will be useful

• Contact us or your Broker as soon as possible to advise us/them of the claim. You can advise us of your claim by completing our on-line claims advise form if you can't call
• A full claim form may still be required
• Seek advice from us or from your Broker to ensure your vehicle is repaired at a Vero Approved Panelbeater. Repairs completed by a Vero Approved Panelbeater network means that we can provide a Lifetime Guarantee on the repairs, for the time that you continue to own the Vehicle. We also liaise with our Approved Panelbeaters to ensure the best repair occurs to suit your situation, and can arrange temporary replacement vehicles and other convenience services depending on your location and circumstances.
• To enquire further about these services and our Collision Management Services Centre options, encourage your Broker to put you in touch with us well before a repairer is booked
• The repair process, assessment, authorisation and/or Total Loss process takes over from there

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