What to do if you have an accident

Having your vehicle stolen or being involved in a motor accident can be a very traumatic experience so this section has been designed to help you stay calm and gives you a step-by-step guide to follow.

Stay calm, and check if anyone is injured

• If you have been involved in an accident, remain calm and check whether others need assistance.
• Move to the side of the road or somewhere safe, but do not leave the scene.
• Use headlights or hazard lights to alert other drivers/riders and prevent further damage.
• If the accident involves injury, or the vehicles are not able to be driven/ridden, call the police immediately. When the police arrive, give them full details of the accident. Remember, that to arrange your claim we may require a written statement from the police to confirm that you have reported the incident to them.

You should also report the following to the police:

• any malicious damage to your vehicle;
• any theft or attempted theft of your vehicle.

Collect information

Write down as much information about the other driver/rider as you can, including:

• name and address;
• telephone number;
• licence number;
• registration number;
• their insurance company.

Also, collect any names, addresses and numbers of independent witnesses.

If you can, take photographs before the vehicles or other items are moved. You could keep a disposable camera in the vehicle or use a camera on a mobile phone. You can also make a sketch plan of the accident while the details are fresh in your mind.

Do not:

• discuss who is at fault. This will be determined by the police, or between the other person and Shannons. There are often cases when a person believes that they are responsible, but according to the law, it is the other driver/rider;
• make or accept any offer of payment, or in any other way admit you are liable;
• settle or attempt to settle any claim;
• defend any claim.

It’s best just to collect all the necessary information and present an accurate description of the accident to the police (if attending) and to Shannons.

If you have agreed not to seek compensation from another person who is liable to compensate you for any loss, damage or liability which is covered by this policy, we will not cover you under this policy for that loss, damage or liability.

Call Shannons on 13 46 46

It’s important that you call Shannons as soon as possible after an accident.

• We can arrange a tow of your vehicle to your chosen repairer or your home.
• Shannons can help you get the repairer process started and get your pride and joy back on the road.

When you call Shannons we will:

• check you have all the necessary information;
• answer any questions you may have;
• help you obtain a quote;
• find you a repairer;
• provide advice on securing your vehicle after the accident.

In order for us to process your claim efficiently and effectively you should:

• take steps at your own expense to minimise the damage;
• keep any damaged property or any stolen property that you recover and let us inspect it if we need to;
• make your vehicle available for inspection by us or our representative and, if we require, deliver it to us;
• notify us of any loss or event and of any claim made against you. You must also promptly forward to us any writ, summons or proceedings which you receive relating to a prosecution, inquest or hearing and all other information relevant to those matters where any liability under this policy may arise;
• when requested, provide us with all proofs, information, co-operation and assistance in relation to a claim (including giving evidence in court) as we may reasonably require.

Remember, you can contact us at any time:

• National claims phone 13 46 46
• National claims fax 1300 794 662