New to driving? Here’s how to handle accidents and insurance

New, shiny car with crisp sound system, comfortable seats, powerful engine, and that new car smell - all this sounds so tempting and like a happy, joyful space. If you are a new car owner, you can completely resonate with the above emotions. Right?

However, with a new car comes the added responsibility to drive safely, safeguarding yourself and others on the road. Also, the Philippines, especially places like Metro Manila and Davao City, is a challenging zone for a driver, with all that heavy traffic and high congestion levels. As per Asia News Network, illegal parking, lack of adequate public transport, and poor road infrastructure are a few major contributing factors to the situation.

Did you know? Davao City is ranked as the most congested metropolitan area in the country, and Metro Manila has been recognised for having the worst traffic in the world.

All this is quite overwhelming for a new, inexperienced, and (sometimes) overconfident driver. However, awareness is the key towards safe driving and a smooth aftermath procedure.

In this article, we’ll learn all about car accidents and the process to be followed thereafter by the driver. Coz only through proper knowledge can you ensure the other drivers and your safety.

So, without any delay, let’s get on to it -

Road accidents in the Philippines

Road safety in the Philippines is a challenge. Surely, the country has made some significant progress, but there’s more that needs to be done. In 2021 alone, approximately 11,000 fatalities were reported from road crashes. This is an indication towards the country’s poor infrastructure, where only a small percentage of roads have 3-star or better ratings. A few other common reasons include -

• Overspeeding
• Distracted driving
• Mechanical failure
• Drunk driving

Laws around road accidents

Every Filipino driver should know about the main traffic laws in the country, i.e., Republic Act No. 4136, also known as the ‘Land Transportation and Traffic Code’. This one overlooks motor vehicle registration, driving with a license and proper motor vehicle equipment, overtaking & passing, reckless driving, and turning at an intersection, and it specifies the right way to drive. Along with this, every driver should also know about city-specific traffic laws.

If involved in a road accident, the driver must do the following: report to the police authorities, contact the insurance provider, and assess the liability. Not doing so will complicate the matter further.

New drivers: Be always prepared

Getting involved in a road accident is no fun; there’s a lot of stress, arguments, and legal formalities. However, as a new driver, it is good to be prepared for such an event. Here is a list of things you should carry along with you in the car -

• Driver’s license
• OR/CR
• A copy of the insurance policy
• Basic first-aid kit
• Dashcam, optional but highly recommended
• Emergency contact details, towing, insurance hotline, police number

Also Read: Cheap car insurance: Smart savings or a costly mistake?

New drivers: Tips to avoid accidents

In addition to always being prepared, a new driver has the responsibility to drive safely and try his/her best to stay clear of any unfortunate situation, like getting involved in an accident. To do so, try following these driving tips -

• Practice defensive driving. For those who aren’t aware, it is a set of skills and techniques that help the driver minimise the risk of an accident by anticipating potential hazards. How? It can be done by controlling the speed, being aware of the surroundings, avoiding distractions, and maintaining a safe distance from the car ahead.
• When driving, make it a point to not use your mobile phone; such distractions can cause collisions.
• Control your emotions and say no to road rage and races. A new car’s smoothness is quite intriguing, but it’s better to stay clear of aggressive driving.
• If driving in Metro Manila or any other city with heavy traffic and road congestion, make sure to stay clear of motorcycles and pedestrians, both tend to make their way from the smallest of spaces, which is quite dangerous.
• To avoid an accident due to a mechanical error, keep your car in good, well-maintained condition. Apart from everything else, make sure that the lights, brakes, and tyres are working fine.
• Though new to driving, you must make sure that the car is parked responsibly. Many times, collisions are reported in parking lots and tight spots.
• Last but not least, follow traffic rules; they are for your good.

New driver’s guide - Mistakes to avoid after an accident

Here is a list of a few common mistakes new drivers (sometimes even seasoned ones) are seen committing after an accident, which often lands them in trouble.

Trying to flee the accident scene

Be it a major or minor car accident, you have to stay. Don’t commit the mistake of driving away, as it will be considered a hit-and-run case.

How to handle a hit & run accident? Try and get details of the other involved vehicle and its driver, like the license plate number, vehicle model & make, name & address of the driver, insurance policy number, etc. Report the incident to the police. Try and give the required information to the officials about the accident scene, eyewitnesses, and other details. Next up, notify your insurance agent about the accident, and they will notify you about the claim process. In case of any injury, make sure the required medical assistance is offered.

Not informing the authorities

Do not make the mistake of covering up and not reporting the incident to the police. Having a police report in hand will help you in the later stages of the claim and otherwise.

Underestimating a written agreement

If you are thinking of settling the matter at the spot (given that the other party agrees), always take the agreed-upon terms in writing. Trusting a verbal agreement is not at all advisable, plus it is not binding by law.

Also Read: Top 15 car insurance concerns in the Philippines—Answer

Skipping car insurance altogether

While CTPL insurance is mandatory by law, taking comprehensive insurance lightly can cost you big bucks, especially in the case of an accident. Here, you should not look at the premium cost but the benefits like no financial burden (medical bills, repair cost, etc) in case of an accident. Below is the list of major insurance providers in the Philippines -

• Malayan Insurance
• Etiqa
• Oona Insurance
• SGI Philippines General Insurance
• Prudential Guarantee and Assurance
• AXA Philippines
• BPI MS Insurance
• FPG Insurance

Not documenting the scene

Make sure to document the accident scene properly. Take photos of the cars involved, damage sustained, license plates, driver’s licenses and OR/CR, and any nearby road signs.

New driver & Insurance

The next call you’ll make after informing about the accident to your friends & family and the police is to your insurer. So, here is all you need to do after falling prey to an unfortunate incident to get a claim -

Step 1. Ring your insurer

As soon as possible after the accident, call your insurance provider. It is therefore advisable to keep the contact details of your insurance agent handy; most of them also have a 24/7 claim hotline.

Step 2. Submit the necessary details

Each insurer’s need might vary; however, typically you’ll need to share the following details - duly accomplished claim form, police report, photocopy of driver’s license, car’s OR/CR, photo of the accident scene and damage sustained.

Step 3. Wait for approval

After submitting the required documents and information, the insurer will evaluate everything and then decide whether to approve or disapprove the claim. Usually, it takes an insurer a couple of weeks to decide, so be patient and follow up if required.

Step 4. Damage repair

In case the claim is approved by the insurer, you’ll be compensated for all the repairs or replacements. However, make sure to keep all the receipts, as you might need to submit them to the insurer for reimbursement.

Tips to ease the insurance process

• Whenever heading out in the car, make sure to carry the following: a valid driver’s license, car registration papers, and a copy of the insurance policy.
• After receiving the car insurance policy, give it a good read, understand what’s included and what’s excluded.
• If your budget allows investing in a dashcam, its footage will help you in case of a dispute.
• Never admit your fault immediately; it might hamper your claim process.

Bottom line

Getting into your first car accident is indeed an overwhelming experience, but with the right knowledge of your forthcoming actions makes all the difference. However, here staying calm is key - whether you get involved in a major collision or if it's just a minor scratch on the fender. Read the above-mentioned guide thoroughly and find what needs to be done after an accident, how to document the collision scene, how to contact the insurer & file for a claim, and mistakes to avoid. All this will help you take better control of the situation, making everything run without much hassle.

Also Read: New year, same ride: Fresh car care habits for 2025