When you’re in a car accident, saving money might not be the first thing on your mind. However, if you are on a tight budget, the idea of dealing with massive medical and repair bills can make the accident even more stressful for you. With a few extra considerations, you can save money after a car accident without adding much more to your to-do list.
Document Everything
Before you leave the scene of the accident, document everything. Take pictures of the damage to your car and make sure that they are time-stamped. Document what happened and what kinds of injuries you and your passengers sustained. While this might not be possible in an emergency situation, you should be able to do so if things are less dangerous. By taking pictures and recording what is happening, you’ll have proof for later.
This is especially true if the other driver is intoxicated. Over half of the 2018 DUI arrests were people between the ages of 18 and 34. If they’re facing legal ramifications for their actions, you’ll want to make sure that you have as much evidence to protect you from any attempted falsehoods as possible.
Go to Urgent Care for Minor Injuries
If you have an injury that needs attention but isn’t bad enough for the emergency room, go to an urgent care instead. They’ll be able to help you with minor cuts and injuries. Some will help with broken bones as well. These clinics are cheaper than the emergency room and will often get you in to be treated faster. According to the Urgent Care Association, urgent cares in the U.S. handle an average of three visits per hour and 50 per day. These numbers are much smaller than those handled in the emergency room.
Understand Your Insurance Coverage
If you’re concerned about saving money, you should understand your insurance coverage before you have to file any claims. Know what you are responsible for paying and what they will cover for you. This way, you’ll be prepared to fight any incorrect claim amount your company tries to pay you instead. If you don’t know your coverage, you might end up being paid less than you’re entitled to get.
Shop Around for Repairs
If your car is still drivable after the accident, you can save money by finding a cheaper mechanic. Since the average length of ownership for new and used vehicles is up 60% in the last decade, you likely want to keep your car running well after the accident. You’ll need a good garage in order to do this, but you can find garages that are cheaper than others for the same quality of work. Take a little time to look around if you’re concerned about saving money.
Look Into Accident Forgiveness
If you’re at fault, your car insurance premium is likely to go up. However, some companies will offer you accident forgiveness. If your insurance company offers this, take advantage of it. While you can’t undo the accident, you can potentially erase its impact on your finances. If your insurance company does not offer accident forgiveness and you have not yet been at fault in a car accident, look into new companies and see if it is worth switching to one that does have it.
Saving money after a car accident is surprisingly simple, especially if nobody has been severely hurt. By taking some time to protect yourself and look at other options for repairs and medical treatment, you can save a large amount of money. If you’re ever in a car accident, keep these tips in mind and they can reduce some of the stress you’ll deal with in the aftermath.
