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Automobile: what to do?

 In general
 If someone has been injured, even slightly
 If there is only property damage
 If you are injured in an accident
 Regarding property damage
 To avoid an increase in your premium


In general

In the event of an accident, stay calm, take a moment to breathe deeply and relax. It is useless to point fingers because, since 1978, there has been an agreement between insurers, the “Direct compensation agreement for the settlement of automobile accidents”, in which each type of accident is listed and the responsibility established according to the circumstances of the accident. All you need to do is give the police or the driver of the other car the essential information contained in the joint report. You can also ask us for a copy of this form by telephone.

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If someone has been injured, even slightly

Immediately call 911 or other emergency services and talk to the injured person to reassure them while they wait.

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If there is only property damage

Using three documents (driver’s license, vehicle registration and insurance certificate of both drivers) fill out the joint report, make a sketch of the accident and describe the visible damage. Both drivers must sign it (but if the other driver refuses to sign, don’t insist). Each driver keeps a copy of the report to give to their insurer.

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If you are injured in an accident

  • Call the police on the scene of the accident in order to prepare an accident report.
  • Immediately see a doctor and have all symptoms caused by the accident included in the medical report.
  • Submit a claim to the SAAQ, at 1 888 810-2525, as soon as possible.

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Regarding property damage

  1. If your vehicle has to be towed, be sure to find out where it is going to be towed and the telephone number of the towing company.
  2. Remove all valuable objects from the car.
  3. Contact your insurer, who will send a certified claims adjuster to assess the damage and reach an agreement with your mechanic on the amount of repairs.
  4. Check with us if you are allowed a rental car while yours is being fixed, according to your insurance contract or the share of responsibility for the accident.
  5. Agree with your mechanic on when the repairs will be made, and find out what portion of the cost you will have to pay (don’t forget the deductible).
  6. If personal belongings were damaged in the accident, contact the carrier insuring your home if the amount of damage exceeds $2,000. Depending on your responsibility in the accident and the amount of loss, you will be compensated either by your automobile insurer (for the first $2,000) or home insurer for the balance.

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To avoid an increase in your premium

If you only sustained minor damage, ask us if submitting a claim is a good idea, given potential increases in your insurance premium.

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