Cleveland Insurance.com

For Immediate Release:

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

In an Accident? Make Sure You Get Enough Info!
Insurance Department reminds Ohioans to get as much information as they can to assist in the claims process
COLUMBUS — The recent winter storms over the past month have caused hundreds of accidents across the state. Ohio Department of Insurance Director Mary Jo Hudson is offering tips on what to do in the event of an accident and information drivers should get if they are in a fender bender.

“Getting the proper information is important as it will make the claim filing process go that much smoother,” said Director Hudson.

Director Hudson suggests that Ohioans:
· Be safe! Make sure you stay away from moving traffic after an accident. Do not put yourself in a dangerous situation. Move your vehicle out of harm’s way if you are able.
· Assist others if necessary – Check on passengers in your car and in the other vehicle(s) and see if they need help, but only if it doesn’t put you in a dangerous situation. Call emergency personnel if necessary
· Take photos – Try to take as many pictures as possible of the damage. Also, sketch a diagram of the accident, making sure to label your car, any other vehicles involved, streets, highways and other points of interest.
· Exchange information – Get the name, address, phone number, date of birth from the other drivers involved in the accident. Also, get the driver’s insurance information, including policy. If the driver of the car is not the owner of the vehicle, get the insurance information of the vehicle as well.
· Get witness information – Get the contact information of those who may have seen the accident. Your insurance company and/or police may want to speak to them later.
· File a police report – If the accident is not serious, you do not need to call the police to have them do a report at the scene. Police may also be too busy to respond to a minor accident. If this is the case, you can move your vehicles to the side of the road, exchange information and then file a report later. If an officer does come to the scene, make sure to get his information as well (name, badge number, etc.)

Ohio insurance consumers with questions and concerns about their insurance can call the Department’s consumer hotline at 1-800-686-1526. Free information can also be obtained at www.insurance.ohio.gov .
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Ohio Department of Insurance Contacts:

Robert Denhard, Public Information Officer
(614) 644-3366

Jarrett Dunbar, Public Information Officer
(614) 644-2475