24 - Friday, January 12, 1990 - North Shore News . x Nbe AUTO™M OT I VY E— S Take the right steps when making a claim IT’S A great system, but one we hope you’ll never have to use. ICBC’s system for han- dling auto insurance claims combines the latest in tech- nology with a staff trained and dedicated to providing service om a one-to-one basis. Our goal is to settle your claim as quickly and as fairly as possible. This week, we'll look at the steps you can take to make a claim and what we can do to help you achieve a settlement. ICBC’s system has been developed over the years to help motorists through many of the difficulties associated with a motor vehicle acci- dent. It’s a step-by-step pro- cess which sees information collected, insurance coverage AutoTopic Ken Hardie INSURANCE CORPORA OF BRITISH COLUMBIA, confirmed, damage assessed and repairs or settlement made. First, you phone. It all starts with a call to ICBC Dial-A-Claim at 520- 8222. Whenever you have an Autoplan claim, call Dial- A-Claim as soon as possible. If someone is injured or there appears to be more than $400 in damages, you must also call the police. Try to collect as much in- formation as possible at the scene of the accident, especially the names of any witnesses. The accident report form in your Autoplan Motorist Kit pro- vides an excellent guide to the information we will need to help settle your claim. When you get in touch with Dial-A-Claim, the op- erator will ask you for some information from your Owner’s Certificate, your 1600 w Powerful 4 litre In-line 6 cylinder 5 &@ 5 speed transmission with overdrive gy Chrysler 7 year/115 km warranty f@ Eleciric rear window defroster *18,982* Guaranteed B.C.’s Lowest Prices *NET OF ALL PROGRAMS-PRICE INCLUDES FREIGHT & P.D.I. MOUNTVIEW NE DR. N. VAN. @ Power steering and brakes MARI driver's licence number, plus details of the accident. Then an appointment will be ar- ranged at the ICBC claim facility most convenient for you. Your claims appointment. When you arrive for your appointment, the recep- tionist will greet you and, if your vehicle needs attention, you will be directed to a parking stall inside what we call the ‘‘tube."’ Next, the receptionist will notify an adjuster to come and speak with you. Thanks to ICBC’s computer system, the information you supplied to the Dial-A-Claim opera- tor will have been relayed to your adjuster prior to your arrival. Your adjuster’s job is to discuss the details of the ac- cident with you, noting the details of your claim and ex- amine which coverages apply to your situation. If neces- sary, the adjuster will take a written statement from you and will gather details on other vehicles involved and on any witnesses. If the accident was the fault of another motorist, your claim will be against that person’s Third Party Liability coverage. If part or all of the accident was your fault, the adjuster will check your Autoplan policy to see if you have collision coverage for your own damages, and how much third party coverage you have for any other motorists involved. ICBC adjusters are well trained in the skills necessary to settle your claim. They will take the time necessary to explain to you how it will be handled and when you can expect it to be settled. While simple collision claims can be processed in about half an hour, more complex claims involving in- juries or questions of liabili- ty will, of course, take longer. Once all the details of the incident are known and the extent of damages and any injuries are established, your ' : a Py Stock 90-5005 @ Factory AM/FM stereo 980-3431 - ne = NEWS photo Terry Peters HOPEFULLY THIS will never happen to you — but if it does, knowing how to make an ICBC claim will save time and money. adjuster will discuss a set- tement for you. Settlement offers are based on what the courts would decide in simi- lar situations. For more details on ICBC’s clairn process, check your Autoplan Motorist Kit or ask for a copy of ICBC’s brochure, ‘‘Making a Claim — What to do after you've had an accident,’’ at any Autoplan broker or claims facility. Another brochure, “Bodily Injury Claims — The rights and respon- sibilities of an injured claimant,’’ will give you more information on how we handle injury claims. In the coming weeks, we will look at the claim process for your vehicle and what to do if you disagree with your claim settlement. is back You could win some fabulous prizes. Tickets on sale at North Shore Malls and YMCA‘s. For more information call 980-DUCK Great Capilano River Duck Race sponsored by: THE VOICE OF NORTH AND WEST VANCOUVER 10rth shore SUNDAY . WEDNESDAY ° FRIDAY