What To Do After a Collision
Sometimes accidents happen, and they can be a life-changing event. Whether minor or major, it is important to be prepared for any type of collision. If your vehicle is a lease, there is an extra step you need to take versus if you own your vehicle. But first, it is important to make sure that everyone involved in the accident is ok before being concerned about your vehicle.
The first step in an accident is to call 9-1-1 and get them involved, even if there are no injuries. It is important to remain calm to not escalate the situation, especially if there are any injuries. A negative reaction can add more stress on the injured persons. Afterwords it is important to call your insurance company to begin filing the claim, including filing a claim against the other driver. Next, it is time to call your leasing company, Honda Canada, for example. Give Honda Canada a call, and let them now what happened. Since it is technically their vehicle, it will be important for them to be aware of any and all impacts, especially if the vehicle is damaged beyond repair.
If the vehicle has been declared a complete loss (this will be determined by your insurance company) it ultimately means that your insurance company has considered the costs of the repair and has determined that it's simply not worthwhile to repair. It usually means that the repair costs would be about 70% of the value of the vehicle. Your insurance company would then pay your lease finance company the market value of the vehicle. Now, you will need to contact your lease company and determine if there are balances remaining based on this payment, including potential mileage overages. All lease agreements are different. Know what you are signing before you sign. If your vehicle is totalled, you are now left without a vehicle. You will start at square one with a lease agreement. Ultimately, great insurance is very important as part of this process. Don't look for the best possible price; instead, consider the best bang for your buck. Get the most out of your lease, while considering additional add-ons that might be of benefit in the long-run.
If your vehicle can be repaired, your insurance company will send you recommendations of places to go. It will be important that the shop is recognized as an authorized dealer. Under no circumstances are you legally obligated to go to the shop that is recommended by your insurance broker. As the vehicle owner it is your right to choose the collision repair facility that you prefer to repair your Honda. Many Honda dealers have their own body shops and can help you through the repair process. It is important that you also insist your insurance company authorizing Honda Genuine Collision parts. Honda Genuine parts are the only parts that are covered by our warranty, and are manufactured to Honda's exact standards for fit, finish and corrosion protection. They are the only parts guaranteed to perform up to Honda's standards. Imitation parts may be sufficient for insurance companies because they cost less, but they do not come with a Replacement Warranty like our Honda Genuine Collision parts. It is important to remember that you have a right to know which parts are going into your vehicle. Watch out for terms like "Quality Replacement Parts" "LKQ" or "Genuine Imitation" on your vehicle estimate. These are parts that are "similar" to Genuine Honda Parts; However, they are not.
Collisions can be life-changing and scary, but it is important to know what to do if it ever happens to you so that you are prepared and can remain calm. Calling 9-1-1 is important to file a police report, as well as checking on all involved parties to make sure they are ok. If your vehicle is repairable, it is important to know your rights and to request Honda Genuine Collision parts so that your vehicle is always to the highest of Honda quality standards.
