The practical steps.
WHY TO REPORT
It is required for insurance, it may assist others, and some matters cannot be addressed otherwise.
WHAT TO DO FIRST
Attend to safety and injury.
WHAT TO PRESERVE
The scene, where a crime occurred Anything that might be evidence
WHAT TO RECORD, AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
What happened When and where Descriptions of anyone involved Any vehicle details Witnesses and their contacts What was taken or damaged
WHY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
Recollection degrades quickly and it becomes disputed.
WHAT TO OBTAIN WHEN REPORTING
A reference for the report Details of who took it
WHY
Insurance and follow-up require it.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
What will happen next, and who to contact.
WHAT TO KEEP
A copy of everything submitted.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT INSURANCE
Notify promptly, within the required period.
WHY
Late notification is a common reason claims fail.
WHAT TO PROVIDE
The report reference, and evidence of loss.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT LOST DOCUMENTS
Report and replace them promptly.
WHY
They enable impersonation.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT LOST CARDS AND PHONES
Contact the bank and provider immediately.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH BEFOREHAND
The numbers to call.
WHAT TO BE REALISTIC ABOUT
That outcomes vary, and reporting may not recover anything.
WHY REPORT ANYWAY
The record matters for other purposes.
