The following day after the accident, I brought my car into Mitsubishi workshop for repair. Turns out that Mitsubishi will only repair my Colt if I first claim my own insurance. And it will be months before I can get back my repair costs from the other parties, and decrease my insurance premium back to its original value (insurance premium increases if you claim your own insurance). And there is no guarantee that my claim will be successful too..

 

Luckily for me, friends and family advised me not to claim my own insurance, especially when the other parties were obviously at fault. Some recommended me to go to IDAC, which I did. It turns out to be a wise decision..

 

Before IDAC, I was not sure what is the next step to take. It's tough to describe the kind of emotions and confusion I faced at that point of time, the cluelessness..

 

Nevertheless IDAC settled it all for me. Engaged a workshop, got a lawyer firm to represent me, fixed up my poor trashed-up Colt, and all for free! Not a single cent paid, I can't be happier! =)

 

Lesson learnt for me, and you can learn from me too..

 

Handy items to have in case of an accident:

1. Pen

2. Notebook

3. Camera (film, not digital)

 

First things to do right after an accident:

1. Check if anyone is injured. If yes, call the police and do not move your vehicle.

2. Record the license plate number of the other vehicles.

3. Record the make and model of the other vehicles.

4. Record NRIC, name and contact number of the other drivers.

5. Record witness name and contact number.

 

After leaving the scene of the accident:

1. If damages are minor, leave the insurance companies out of this. If you are at fault, get his car to repair at your workshop at your expanse, vice versa.

2. If damages are serious, and if you are at fault, claim your insurance and end of story. If the other party is at fault, chances are he will claim his insurance and will do nothing further. Go to IDAC, and they will settle it. End of story too.

 

I fervently wish none of us will ever need to use this info.. Good Luck!