How to Handle Car Scratches and Collisions: A Guide for Vehicle Owners
In daily driving, car scratches and collisions may occur, and it's crucial for vehicle owners to master the correct handling methods. The following will introduce various response strategies from different situations.
After an accident occurs, the first priority is to ensure personnel safety. Regardless of the size of the accident, you should immediately move your vehicle to a safe location, turn on the warning lights (double flash), and place a triangular warning sign at a suitable distance behind the vehicle, avoiding secondary accidents. If someone is injured, please call 120 emergency services immediately.
Next, you need to determine the liability of the accident. If it's a minor scratch and both parties agree on the responsibility, such as one vehicle rear-ending another, where the rear-end vehicle is fully responsible, you can adopt a rapid handling process. Many regions now support online rapid handling of accidents, and you can take photos to preserve evidence, move your vehicle to an area that does not obstruct traffic, and then report the accident through the designated APP or public account set by local police departments. When taking photos, be sure to capture multiple angles, including the overall scene, close-up shots of the collision areas, license plates of both vehicles, etc., to ensure that the photos clearly reflect the situation.
If there is a dispute over liability between parties, you should promptly call 122 and wait for the police to arrive. The police will investigate the scene and determine responsibility based on the situation, and you need to cooperate with the police by accurately describing the accident sequence. During this process, do not move your vehicle unnecessarily to avoid destroying evidence at the scene.
After determining liability, it's time for the insurance claim process. You should promptly report the incident to your insurance company, providing information on the date, location, and details of the incident. The insurance company will arrange an adjuster to assess the damage to your vehicle. Once the assessment is complete, you can choose to have the vehicle repaired at a designated repair shop or select a qualified repair shop.
| Insurance Company | Reporting Method | Assessment Time | Claim Payment Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| People's Insurance Company of China (PICC) | Phone, APP, Public Account | Generally within 24 hours | Once all documents are in order, generally 3-5 working days |
| Ping An Insurance Group (PAIG) | Phone, APP | For rapid handling cases, within 30 minutes | Once all documents are in order, the fastest payment time is 1 working day |
| Pacific Insurance Company (PIC) | Phone, Website, APP | For urban areas, within 1 hour of arriving at the scene | Once all documents are in order, generally 3-7 working days |
After the repair is complete, you should keep a copy of the repair invoice and other relevant documentation to apply for an insurance claim. If personal injury compensation is involved, you will also need to provide a list of medical expenses, diagnosis reports, etc.
In summary, when facing car scratches and collisions, vehicle owners should remain calm and follow the correct process to handle the situation, ensuring their rights are protected and minimizing unnecessary trouble.