• By Raymond Momanyi

Navigating a Bumper-to-Bumper Mishap: A Step-by-Step Guide to Your Comprehensive Insurance Claim

It's a scene all too familiar on Nairobi's busy roads. One Monday morning, you're maneuvering through traffic, and suddenly, you hear the unfortunate crunch of metal against metal. This was the reality for Mwangi and Odhiambo. Mwangi's Toyota Wish accidentally rear-ended Odhiambo's pristine Mercedes C200. Both cars have comprehensive insurance, but the moments after an accident can be confusing. Who calls who? What papers do you need?

As a trusted partner in navigating life's uncertainties, Imana Insurance Agency Kenya Ltd is here to break down the process. Whether you are in Mwangi's (at-fault) or Odhiambo's (not-at-fault) shoes, here’s what you need to do to get your vehicles back on the road.

Immediate Steps for Both Mwangi and Odhiambo

Regardless of who is at fault, the first few actions are crucial:

1. Prioritize Safety: Check for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call for medical assistance immediately. Move the vehicles to a safe location if possible to avoid further incidents.
2. Stay Calm and Exchange Information: Do not admit liability at the scene. Calmly exchange the following details:
   • Names and contact numbers
   • Insurance company and policy number
   • Vehicle registration numbers
3. Document the Scene: Use your smartphone to take pictures and videos of the accident scene, the damages to both vehicles, and the positions of the cars.
4. Report to the Police: It is a legal requirement to report any road accident to the nearest police station within 24 hours. The attending officer will assess the situation and issue a Police Abstract, a critical document for your insurance claim.

For Mwangi (The At-Fault Driver): Filing Your Comprehensive Claim

Even though you are at fault, your comprehensive cover is designed to handle the repairs for your own vehicle. Here is your step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Notify Your Insurer Immediately Contact your insurance agent or broker, like Imana Insurance Agency, as soon as possible, ideally within 48 hours of the incident. They will guide you on the initial steps and provide you with a claim form.

Step 2: Gather and Submit the Required Documents To process your claim for the damages to your Toyota Wish, you will need to submit the following:

• A duly filled and signed insurance claim form.
• The original Police Abstract.
• A copy of your National ID.
• A copy of your valid driving license.
• A copy of the vehicle's logbook.

Step 3: Vehicle Assessment and Repairs Your insurer will appoint an assessor to inspect the damage to your car and estimate the cost of repairs. Once the assessment report is complete, they will issue an authorization letter to an approved garage to begin the repairs. You will be required to pay the 'excess' amount as stipulated in your policy. An excess is the first portion of the claim that you, the insured, are required to pay.

For Odhiambo (The Not-At-Fault Driver): Your Path to a Restored Mercedes

Being the innocent party, you have a couple of options, but the goal is to have Mwangi's insurance cover your repairs.

Step 1: Promptly Inform Your Insurance Provider Contact Imana Insurance Agency immediately. Inform them about the accident and provide Mwangi's insurance details. Your insurer will play a crucial role in following up with the other party's insurance company on your behalf, a process known as subrogation.

Step 2: Assemble Your Documentation You will also need to fill out a claim form from your insurer and provide the following documents:

• A completed claim form.
• The original Police Abstract clearly indicating Mwangi was at fault.
• A copy of your National ID and valid driving license.
• A copy of your vehicle's logbook.
• A demand letter to the at-fault party's insurance company (your insurer will guide you on this).

Step 3: Damage Assessment and Getting Back on the Road Your vehicle will be assessed by an appointee of either your insurer or Mwangi's insurer. Once the cost is agreed upon, the at-fault party's insurance will authorize the repairs. Because the police report found the other party at fault, you should not have to pay any excess.

What About a Courtesy Car? Odhiambo is in luck if he has a "courtesy car" or "loss of use" extension on his policy. If so, he should inform Imana Insurance Agency so they can arrange for a replacement vehicle for a specified period while his Mercedes is at the garage, ensuring his daily routine is not majorly disrupted.

How Long Will It Take? A Timeline for Repairs

The duration of the claim process and repairs can vary depending on several factors:

• Claim Reporting: Immediate reporting speeds up the process.
• Assessment: Typically takes a few days to a week.
• Authorization: Can take another few days after the assessment is complete.
• Repairs: This is the most variable part. Minor damages might take a week, while extensive damage requiring imported parts, like for Odhiambo's Mercedes, could take several weeks or even a couple of months.

On average, you can expect the entire process, from reporting the claim to getting your car back, to take anywhere from two weeks to two months. Prompt submission of all required documents is the best way to fast-track your claim.

Your Partner in Protection

Accidents are stressful, but the claims process doesn't have to be. By following these steps and working closely with a reliable intermediary like Imana Insurance Agency Kenya Ltd, both Mwangi and Odhiambo can ensure their claims are handled efficiently and professionally.

For any queries on your motor insurance policy or for a competitive quote, contact Imana Insurance Agency Kenya Ltd today!

Call/WhatsApp: +254796209402 | +254745218460 Website: www.imana.co.ke | www.mykava.co.ke Location: 4th Floor, Krishna Centre, Woodvale Grove, Westlands, Nairobi.

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