If your car has been damaged in an accident, the mandatory civil liability insurance of the other party involved in the accident will cover the damages. You will receive compensation of up to 100,000 hryvnias if you did not violate traffic rules. But if both drivers are at fault in the accident, each of them will receive no more than 50% of the maximum amount.
Experts from SC “Universalna” explained ways to get compensation for auto insurance in different situations.
Necessary Actions to Obtain Compensation
After the accident, it is necessary to document the incident, which can be done independently or with the involvement of a traffic police officer. In the first case, a European protocol is drawn up, and in the second — a standard protocol.
An important step is to call the insurance company. Inform the insurer about the accident, report the damages, and describe the situation in detail.
The insurance company’s phone number is indicated on the policy form.
Within 3 days of the accident, contact the insurance company’s office, present a package of documents (a valid auto insurance from SC “Universalna” or another insurer, passport, protocol) and submit an application.
The insurance company will appoint an examination, which will be conducted within 10 days from the date of the accident. An expert will determine the degree of damage and depreciation of the car. The results will be shown in the expert’s report.
You will receive compensation between 15 and 90 days after submitting the application. The absence of payment after 3 months is a reason to go to court.
If more than 2 cars and/or there were victims involved in the accident, it is necessary to inform the insurer of the at-fault party, who will compensate for the material damages. In other cases, the settlement is carried out through your own insurance company.
When a European Protocol is Drawn Up
If no one was injured in the accident, it can be documented without the involvement of a traffic police officer.
In this case, the payment limit is reduced by half: from 100,000 to 50,000 hryvnias. The simplified procedure is conducted if both parties involved in the accident have OSAGO policies.
Car owners should jointly fill out the European protocol form, which consists of two parts: the front and the self-copying. Each party takes one part to present to their insurer. It is also necessary to take pictures of the damages and the scene.
If Difficulties Arise
What to do if the at-fault party does not have an OSAGO policy, or their insurance company goes bankrupt? Such situations are regulated by the Motor (Transport) Insurance Bureau of Ukraine.
After the accident, you should contact the support service of your insurance company and follow the provided instructions.