The first move in any traffic accident is to assess whether you or others are injured. Call 911 to get immediate medical help for anyone who is hurt and to make sure your crash has been promptly reported to a law enforcement agency.
Before they are towed away, take photos of the exterior and interior of all vehicles involved. You should also get photos of the vehicle license plates, skid marks, broken glass, nearby traffic controls and the surrounding area. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) involved in the crash. Get witness names and contact information as well.
Write down the name, badge number and agency of the law enforcement officer who responds to your crash and prepares the traffic crash report. Also, make sure to get the report number. You should be able to contact the law enforcement agency within a day or two after the crash and request a copy of the report. For instance, if the Chicago Police Department prepared your crash report, you can simply go online and get a copy.
If you have been involved in a “reportable accident” – one resulting in death, bodily injury or property damage of $1,500 or more ($500 or more if the vehicle is uninsured, you have a legal duty to file a written report with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) within 10 days after the accident. You can use a paper form that the responding police officer gives you or you can go online to the Illinois Department Of Transportation IDOT website.
Although you are not required by law to report your accident to your auto insurance provider, your policy likely requires it. The best practice is to report the accident to your insurer as soon as possible. Your insurer may ask you to provide a statement. Be careful. Do not admit or assign fault.
If another driver’s insurance company contacts you, be polite – but be cautious. Tell the insurer to contact your insurance company. Never provide a recorded statement. Never sign anything.
Online Claim
Some companies allow you to report your claim online. Keep your policy number and police report handy.
Report by Phone
Call your company directly to report your claim. Please keep your policy number and police report handy.
American Alliance Insurance (847) 916-3200
American Freedom Insurance (847) 758-9300
American Heartland Insurance (800) 831-8330
Direct Auto Insurance Company (312) 568-4500
Apollo Casualty Insurance (847) 635-5600
Dairyland Insurance (800) 526-4252
Direct Auto Insurance (312) 568-4500
Falcon Insurance Company (800) 929-3252
First Chicago Insurance Company (888) 262-8864
Founders Insurance (847) 768-0040
Lighthouse Casualty Insurance (855) 235-1522
Safeway Insurance (630) 887-8300
United Equitable Insurance (800) 831-8330
Unique Insurance (773) 299-7500
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