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These practical tips for dealing with your insurance company after an accident will help reduce your anxiety during what might be the most stressful time in your life.

AT THE SCENE OF THE ACCIDENT

First things first: If you are involved in an auto accident, stop your car. Get medical attention for anyone who needs it.

If you are physically able, provide your name, address, phone number, insurer, and policy number to the other driver, and get similar information from the other driver at the scene.

TIP: Make a note of the date, time, and location of the accident. If you can, make notes about the location and severity of damage to your car and the other driver's car.

REPORTING THE ACCIDENT

The terms of car insurance policies vary from driver to driver, but virtually all policies require that you report an accident to your auto insurance company as soon as you can. Report the accident to your insurer by calling the phone number listed on your proof-of-insurance card. Calls to that number will be answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

You may also make a courtesy call to the insurance agent whom you buy your insurance from, but don't expect your agent to be available 24/7 to take your call.

Now that you have reported the accident, your insurance company will open a claim file for you and assign your claim to an insurance adjuster.

TIP: Depending on where you live and how much damage was done in the accident, you may also be required to file an accident report with your state motor vehicles division. Call your local DMV office or check for information online to see what your state's reporting requirements are.

WORKING WITH THE ADJUSTER

Insurance adjusters coordinate all the work required to process your claim. An insurance adjuster will contact you and ask you detailed questions about the accident. For instance, the adjuster may ask if the pavement was wet or dry at the time of the accident, or if either driver was wearing glasses.

The adjuster will arrange to have estimators assess the cost of repairing your car. The adjuster will decide whether the car is "totaled" or if the car should be repaired.

TIP: If you think the adjuster has undervalued your vehicle, do some homework on your own to establish a higher value. Collect classified ads in newspapers, online ads, database queries, and online vehicle auctions of cars like yours to help establish value. Send this information to the adjuster and ask the adjuster to reconsider the valuation decision based on the information

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