A road traffic accident can happen even to an experienced and attentive driver. In a stressful situation, people often make hasty decisions that can later lead to unpleasant consequences. It is precisely the first actions after an accident that often determine whether insurance compensation will be paid in full or whether the insurer will reduce or deny it.

In Latvia, both for mandatory OCTA and voluntary KASKO insurance, it is important to follow a specific course of action. Lack of knowledge or insufficient attention to details can lead to a situation where insurance "doesn't work" the way the client had expected.

How to act immediately after a road traffic accident

The first and most important step is to ensure road safety and check the health condition of those involved. If there are injured persons, emergency medical services and the State Police must be called immediately.

In minor accidents where there are no injuries, drivers often use an agreed statement. In such a situation, it is essential to carefully and correctly fill in all fields, precisely indicating the circumstances of the accident and visible vehicle damage.

Special attention should be paid to the diagram and explanations. Unclear or contradictory data may raise questions from the insurer and prolong the claims review. If there are doubts about interpreting the situation, calling the police is often the safer solution.

It is recommended to take photographs from the scene: vehicle positioning, damage, road signs, and the overall traffic situation. Such evidence significantly facilitates the assessment of the insurance claim.

If the other party involved in the accident refuses to cooperate, provides contradictory information, or leaves the scene, calling the police is mandatory.

After an accident, it is important to notify the insurer in a timely manner. Each policy has a specified deadline for reporting an insurance event. Delays may lead to additional checks or complications in receiving compensation.

To avoid uncertainties at the initial stage, many drivers use the OCTA calculator, which helps quickly verify the existence of a policy and its conditions.

If you are unsure about your rights or obligations, it is advisable to consult an insurance broker. A broker will help you understand how to act correctly in a specific situation and how to prepare documents for receiving compensation.

The most common mistakes after an accident and how to avoid them

One of the most common mistakes is the assumption that insurance will automatically cover all losses. In reality, both OCTA and KASKO policies have exceptions and conditions that are decisive in determining compensation.

For example, if the vehicle was driven by a person not listed in the KASKO policy, the insurer may reduce or deny compensation entirely. Similar consequences are possible if the vehicle was used for purposes other than intended.

Another common mistake is providing incomplete or inaccurate information. If the circumstances of the accident are not clearly described or significant facts are omitted, the insurer may request additional explanations or make a negative decision.

In practice, there are also situations where damage is repaired before the insurer's inspection. Such actions can complicate the damage assessment and create problems with compensation payment.

To avoid these situations, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with your policy conditions in advance. A more detailed explanation of how OCTA and KASKO work can be found in our article about differences between KASKO and OCTA insurance in Latvia.

If the insurer makes a negative decision, it is not always final. In many cases, the decision can be appealed by submitting additional documents or explanations. In such situations, the involvement of an insurance broker often helps achieve a fair outcome.

The goal of Agento SIA is to help clients not only choose suitable insurance but also provide professional support in difficult situations after a road traffic accident.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you always need to call the police after an accident? If there are no injuries and both parties agree on the circumstances, it is possible to fill out an agreed statement without police involvement.
How quickly should you notify the insurer about an accident? Usually you should report the insurance event as soon as possible, within the deadline specified in the policy.
Can I move the car before documenting the damage? You may move the vehicle if it obstructs traffic, but it is recommended to take photos first.
What happens if the agreed statement is filled out incorrectly? Inaccurate data may complicate the claim review and prolong the process.
Can a broker help with the compensation process? Yes, an insurance broker can represent the client's interests and assist in communication with the insurer.