Step 1: Exchange details with the other driver
The first thing you need to do after a car crash is to exchange details with the other driver(s) involved in the incident. You need to get the following information:
- The full name and contact details of the driver
- The make, model, and registration number of the vehicle
- The name and contact details of the owner of the vehicle (if it’s not the driver)
- The insurance details of the vehicle, including the name of the insurer and policy number.
Consider taking out your phone and taking a photo of the rego plates on the vehicle, and taking a photo of the other driver’s license. We also recommend that you take photos of the cars and of the road and the scene of the accident, including any skid marks from the tyres.
Step 2: Call the Police
You must call the police if:
- Someone is injured or killed
- You suspect the other driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- The other driver leaves the scene without exchanging details
- You believe the other driver was driving recklessly or negligently; or
- The cars are blocking traffic.
If the police come to the accident then they will prepare a report that will be useful in your insurance claim.
Step 3: Report the crash to ICWA
You need to report the crash to ICWA as soon as possible. You can do this by:
- Calling the ICWA’s 24/7 claims line on 08 9264 3333; or
- Reporting the crash online at www.crashreport.com.au
When reporting the crash to ICWA you need to have the following information:
- Your name and contact details
- The date, time, and location of the crash
- The details of the car that caused the accident
- The details of the other driver(s) involved in the crash
- A brief description of what happened during the crash.
It is very important that you complete the online crash report as soon as possible after the accident. Any delay in submitting the online crash report could affect your claim.
Please note: it is highly unlikely that ICWA will call you after an accident. It is almost certain that if you haven’t completed an online crash report that ICWA will not call you. It is up to you to make the claim. If you receive a call from somebody after an accident make sure that you know who is calling and ask how they got your details – only give your personal information to a source that you trust.
Step 4: Get a quote for the cost of the repairs to your car
If your vehicle was damaged in the crash and if you are insured, telephone your insurance company as soon as possible. Your insurance company will tell you where to take your car to get a quote. You may also be entitled to a replacement vehicle while your car is being repaired. If you are not insured, get a quote from a reputable panel beater. You will need the quote to recover the cost of repairs.
Step 5: If you are injured, make a claim
If you are injured you might be entitled to compensation for your injuries. To get compensation you have to make a claim. Completing an online crash report is NOT the same as making a claim. Making a claim can be done by:
- Completing a claim form and sending the claim form and supporting documents to ICWA’s address
- Faxing the claim form and supporting documents to ICWA’s fax number
- Emailing the claim form and supporting documents to ICWA’s email address.
It’s important to keep a copy of all documents that you send to ICWA.
Step 6: Wait for a reply
After you’ve submitted your claim to ICWA you will receive an acknowledgement of receipt. You should also receive a claim number. This process can take a couple of weeks, depending on the complexity of your claim. If you receive calls or texts from somebody other than ICWA, then be careful about sharing personal information. Make sure that you know who you are dealing with before you share your information.
If you need a hand in understanding how to claim compensation after a car accident, please feel free to give us a call or drop us an email – we are always happy to chat.
