Did you get involved in a road accident? It doesn’t matter if it is a head-on collision, side impact collision, rear-end collision, or sideswipe accident. Also, it can be a single-vehicle, multi-vehicle, or an accident involving pedestrians. What remains common is ensuring everyone’s safety and documenting everything for car insurance purposes.
The aftermath of a road accident can be overwhelming, and often, we forget to gather evidence, which is crucial during the claim process. And by evidence, we mean not only the paperwork, but explicit, well-documented pictures that dictate the entire story of the incident.
You see, an insurance claim process in the Philippines generally involves the following steps - starting with notifying the insurer asap after the accident, contacting the police authorities, gathering required documents & taking photos of the incident scene, duly completing the claim form, waiting for the adjuster for inspection, and receiving the approval.
Note, if you miss any of the above steps, there is a high chance that your insurance claim will either get delayed or denied.
Today, our focus is on one such step, i.e., taking photos of the accident scene. We’ll educate you about it, so that whenever the need arises, you are entirely equipped to take valid clicks and help with the approval.
So, let’s get started …
Photo evidence: Why is it crucial?
Did you know that insurance adjusters and legal authorities give high weightage to picture evidence? Visual documentation helps with several things, including accurate assessment of the damage, fault determination and verification of claim validity.
In the absence of clean or accurate photo evidence, a dispute may arise between you and the provider over matters like events leading to the accident, the extent of damage, etc. Result?
Delay in the claim process is going up to several months, which can be both mentally and financially draining.
Conclusion. Take good, useful photos for a fast payout.
Photo from FreepikTypes of photos you need to capture post-accident
Here is a complete list of photographs you must take after an accident for a hassle-free claim process (quick approval) -
Accident scene - Take a wide shot of the overall accident scene. It should include all the involved vehicles, surroundings, and road signals/traffic lights. Overall, giving a full context of the incident is essential.
Vehicles involved - Before vehicles get moved, make sure to take photos showing their exact position during the accident.
Damage to your & other vehicle - Next up, get close to the involved vehicles and take photos of all the dents, scratches, and broken parts from multiple angles.
Skid marks, shattered glass, & debris - Through these images, the adjuster and authorities can get a clue about the collision impact and braking distance.
Road and weather conditions - If the incident was due to or contributed by factors like potholes, wet roads, or poor visibility, make sure to capture them in the photographs.
Injury - If anyone involved in the accident is injured, take a picture of the injured person carefully.
License plate - Make sure to click pictures of the license plates of all the involved vehicles; this is essential for identification purposes.
Witnesses & their vehicle - Try to get images of the witnesses to document their presence at the scene of the accident.
Tips to click effective photos of the accident
It is not just about which images to click when involved in an accident, but it is equally essential to gather effective photos to back up your claim. Here are a few vital tips -
Safety first - We understand that clicking photos is essential; however, it is also vital to prioritise others and your safety. Make sure to move to a safe spot while clicking
Phone camera settings - When clicking photos, make sure to balance the lighting and turn on the flash if the visibility is low.
Angles matter - It is crucial to take each photo, be it of the vehicle, injury, or accident scene, from at least two angles - one wide-angle and the other a close-up shot. Make sure there are no shadows in your images.
Photo from FreepikAccident photography mistakes to avoid when filing a claim
Blurry images - Make sure your hands are stable while clicking photos; otherwise, you’ll end up with blurry images.
Photos from one angle - Make it a point to capture the accident scene from different angles, as it will help reconstruct the incident
Moving vehicles before taking photos - Do not make the mistake of moving the cars before clicking the photos, as this will compromise the evidence.
Avoiding context shots - Make sure to take context shots, like weather and road signals, along with the main element images to support your claim.
Post-accident duties for policyholder
Step 1: Secure the accident scene by warning the incoming traffic. Furthermore, make sure to assist anyone who is injured. Call the local emergency number to get help as soon as possible.
Step 2: Notify the police authorities, who will create a Traffic Accident Investigation Report, which will help in claim approval.
Step 3: Exchange details like names, contact number, plate number, driver’s license, and insurance policy number with the other party.
Step 4: Document the incident scene by taking photos of the vehicle, road marks, road signals, traffic light, injuries, and witnesses.
Step 5: Call for medical attention and secure a medical report.
Step 6: Notify the insurer as soon as possible after the accident. Note, late reporting can forfeit the insurance coverage.
Also Read: CTPL claim process explained: What Filipino drivers need to know
Essential documents to prepare for filing a claim
Here is the complete list of documents required when preparing your claim -
Photo from ShutterstockDuly accomplished claim form - It is a formal document that you need to submit to the insurer. The form can be obtained from the insurance provider’s website or by visiting the office.
Police accident report - It is needed to establish the occurrence of the incident. It can be secured from the PNP-HPG/LGU Traffic officer.
Vehicle documents - You need to submit photocopies of the vehicle registration OR/CR and the driver’s license with an official receipt. All this will prove ownership of the car and can be obtained from the LTO.
Repair estimates and hospital bills - All these documents will serve as proof of the amount claimed by the policyholder and can be obtained from authorised service centres and hospitals.
Photos of the damage/injury - These are essential to support the claim, as they serve as evidence and are usually self-taken.
Other required documents - Affidavit of Loss for stolen parts (obtain from a notary public), Death Certificate, Birth & Marriage certificates in case of fatal cases (PSA Serbilis), and Barangay Certificate of No Settlement in case the involved parties reside in the same city or municipality (obtain it from Barangay Hall).
Also Read: Don't panic after an accident — Here's how to file a comprehensive claim
Practical tips to speed up & strengthen your claim
- Make sure to keep your insurance policy and a copy of the vehicle’s OR/CR in your car’s glove box or save them in your phone.
Install a dashcam in your vehicle, as its video will serve as evidence. - Note down the names and ranks of the responding police officers. Also, follow up about TAIR; it usually takes two to four weeks to come in.
- Do not sign a blank waiver. In case of serious injuries, get help from someone who is an expert in both the medical and legal fields.
- Ask the insurer about the ‘loss of use’ allowance, in case the vehicle repair downtime exceeds 30 days.
Bottom line
There is no doubt that car accidents are stressful; however, things can get better if you know exactly ‘what to do’ next. This includes notifying the insurer, reporting the accident, submitting photo & document evidence, and regular follow-up. Doing so will help you save precious time and money and reduce your stress during the claim process.
Remember, complete documentation and clear photos will help process your claim faster. Also, save your provider's hotline number and keep a mental checklist of things to do after an accident (including photos to take).
Also Read: EV & hybrid vehicle insurance in the Philippines: Coverage gaps & claim tips
FAQs
Q1. In case of an accident, can I claim both CTPL and comprehensive insurance?
Ans. Yes, you can file both CTPL and comprehensive claims; while the former handles third-party injury/death, the latter offers wide coverage against accident, theft, fire, flood, etc.
Q2. Do I need a professional camera to click accident photos?
Ans. No. Your smartphone is good enough to take clear and helpful photographs of the accident. Just make sure to adjust the settings for proper brightness.
Q3. How many photos shall I click of the accident scene and vehicles?
Ans. The more, the merrier. However, 15 to 20 pictures, covering the scene, involved vehicles, injuries, weather, traffic signals, etc., from different angles, are expected.
Q4. Shall I move the car to a better location to take photos?
Ans. Not at all. It is advisable not to move around the vehicle or any evidence before clicking the pictures.
Q5. Shall I include photos of minor damage (a dent or a few scratches)?
Ans. Yes, regardless of size, all damages are a part of the claim.
Q6. Do insurance providers accept digital photos?
Ans. Most insurers do, however, it’s better to confirm first to avoid delays.
Q7. Can photos of the incident replace the police report?
Ans. No, both are essential; they complement each other in the claim process.
Q8. What if the accident takes place at night? How will I click clear photos?
Ans. Use flash, look for light sources, as photos will help with your claim process.
Q9. Shall I edit photos before submission?
Ans. Editing photos is not at all recommended; it is considered tampering with evidence.
Q10. What documents are essential for filing a claim?
Ans. Police report, duly filled claim form, photos of damage & injury, OR/CR, driver’s license, repair estimate, hospital bills.
Also Read: Top car insurance worries Filipino drivers face - and how to fix them
