If you are in an accident, or find out that you have damage to your vehicle or to property, you need to contact your insurance company right away. In most cases, if there is criminal activity, such as a moving violation or criminal damage, you should first call the police. They will collect insurance information from everyone too. No matter if the police are involved or not, get all the information you can from the driver.

You will need it in order to make a claim against your insurance or theirs. Next, call on your auto insurance company, policy number in hand, and proceed to the next step.

Claims are anything that may be covered by your insurance policy.

If something happens to you, your car, or if property’s damaged by your car like ruining someone’s landscape, your insurance company will be required to pay for damages. After you make a claim, the insurance company will investigate. Generally, they will issue you a check or have you bring your vehicle in for repair. This way you can get your vehicle fixed or pay off the other individual you may be liable to. For most insurance companies, making a claim is a simple process.

As simple as it is, it is very important. Here’s a little tip, though. When something happens to you or another driver, never admit that you are the guilty party. Simply say that you do not know what happened, and let the insurance companies work it out. If you admit you did something wrong, your claim may be denied. In that case, you will be personally responsible for the damages incurred. Truthfully, you are neither insurance adjustor nor highway patrol officer. Your emotional (although seemingly logical) assessment of the incident might not be entirely accurate. Cover your own interests by being forthright in every situation. In the event of an accident, leave the situation appraisal to the professionals.

Michael Benifez gives financial tips on getting the most from your landscape budget with Landscaping Design Plans.

Get more landscaping tips from the growing plant library at www.Plant-Care.com.