Reporting an Auto Accident to Mercury Insurance: A Step-by-Step Guide

Getting into a car accident can be stressful and confusing. Knowing what to do after an accident will make the claims process much smoother. This comprehensive guide will walk you through step-by-step how to properly report your auto accident to Mercury Insurance.

Overview of Reporting an Accident Claim

Notify Mercury Insurance as soon as possible after any accident—even minor fender benders. Prompt reporting gets your claim started quickly so you can get your car repaired and get back on the road.

When you report the claim, Mercury will gather key details about the accident, determine fault and liability, and explain the next steps based on your policy coverage. Having the right information ready when you call will streamline the process.

Mercury offers several convenient ways to report an auto accident:

• Phone – Call the 24/7 claims hotline at (800) 503-3724.

• Online – File a claim anytime at Mercury’s claims website.

• Mobile app – File a claim via Mercury’s easy-to-use mobile app.

Regardless of how you report your accident, Mercury will be there to help get your claim handled smoothly and efficiently.

What to Do at the Accident Scene

Taking quick action at the scene of the accident ensures you collect all necessary information and protects your safety. Here are key steps:

Check for Injuries

Immediately check on all parties involved in the accident to see if anyone requires medical attention. Call 911 if there are any injuries.

Move Out of Traffic

If possible, safely move vehicles off the road and onto the shoulder to avoid further collisions. Turn on hazard lights. Place road flares or cones around the accident scene.

Call the Police

Alert local law enforcement about the accident and request an officer come to the scene to make a report. Get the report number for your records.

Exchange Information

Collect driver’s licenses, insurance details, contact info, and license plate numbers for all involved drivers. Get witness and passenger contact details as well.

Take Photos

Use your smartphone to take pictures of the accident scene from multiple angles, showing vehicle damage, skid marks, debris, road signs/signals, weather conditions, and any injuries.

Do Not Admit Fault

Be cooperative with the other driver, but do not outright admit fault or accept blame for the accident. This can jeopardize insurance claims and liability disputes down the road.

What Information to Have Ready

When you contact Mercury to report your claim, providing detailed information will make the process smoother. Having the following information ready will help expedite your claim:

Accident Details

• Date, time, and exact location of the accident
• Police report number and which agency responded
• Complete description of how the accident happened
• Details on damage to all vehicles involved
• Any injuries sustained by drivers or passengers
• Details on any property damage (buildings, signs, guardrails, etc.)

Vehicle Information

For your vehicle and all other vehicles involved:

• Make, model, and year
• Color
• License plate number and state
• Number of passengers

Personal Details

For all drivers:

• Full name
• Contact phone number
• Home address
• Date of birth
• Driver’s license number and state
• Auto insurance details (company, policy number, policyholder name)

Witness Information

• Name
• Phone number
• Home address

Having these details ready will allow Mercury’s claims team to quickly handle your report and determine next steps.

When to Report Your Accident

You should notify Mercury as soon as possible after any accident—even minor fender benders. Reporting promptly:

• Starts the claims process quickly
• Allows quick recovery of possible damages from other parties
• Prevents misunderstandings over accident details and liability

Most policies require reporting an accident within 24 hours. However, it’s best to notify Mercury immediately at the scene if possible.

If injuries or major damage occurred, reporting within 3-6 hours is recommended. Delays beyond 24 hours could possibly result in claim denial unless there were extenuating circumstances.

Bottom line—contact Mercury as soon as realistically possible after an accident to protect your rights and facilitate repairs.

How to Report an Accident Claim by Phone

Calling Mercury’s claims hotline at (800) 503-3724 is the quickest way to report your accident. Here are some tips for an efficient phone report:

Have Information Ready

Compile the accident details, vehicle info, and personal details ahead of time so you can provide complete information to the claims agent.

Describe the Accident

Be prepared to give a full chronological description of how the accident happened and details on vehicle damage and injuries.

Answer Questions

Mercury’s claims agent will ask you many questions to obtain a full account of the accident. Answer openly and honestly to facilitate the claim.

Take Notes

Write down the claim number, your claims adjuster’s name and contact information, and any instructions they provide for next steps.

Be Cooperative and Patient

The claims agent needs full details to process your claim, which takes time. Remain patient and avoid becoming angry or confrontational.

Follow up with any additional information Mercury requires as soon as possible. Polite cooperation will help your claim get resolved quickly and smoothly.

Reporting an Accident Online

Mercury offers convenient online auto claims reporting as well. Follow these steps:

1. Go to Mercury’s claims website.

2. Click “File a Claim” and select “Auto Claim”.

3. Login to your Mercury account or provide your policy number and personal details.

4. Answer questions and provide information about your accident.

5. Attach photos of the accident scene and vehicle damage.

6. Submit the claim report and a Mercury agent will contact you.

Reporting online allows you to provide information on your own time. A claims agent will still follow up for any additional details needed.

Reporting an Accident via Mobile App

Using Mercury’s highly-rated mobile app is another fast option for reporting your claim after an accident.

1. Open the Mercury Insurance app on your iOS or Android device.

2. Click “Report a Claim” from the main menu.

3. Select “Auto Accident” and answer the prompts to provide accident details.

4. Add photos of the accident scene and damage.

5. Submit the report and a Mercury agent will contact you.

The app makes submitting photos quick and easy. Just snap pictures with your device’s camera right in the claims reporting flow.

What Happens After You Report an Accident?

After reporting your claim, here’s what you can expect:

• Initial contact – A Mercury claims agent will contact you for any follow-up details about the accident.

• Coverage review – The agent will review your policy to verify coverage for damages.

• Liability decision – Mercury will investigate the accident circumstances to determine fault and liability.

• Settlement options – If Mercury finds the other party liable, they may settle directly with their insurer.

• Repairs – For approved claims, Mercury can arrange repairs through their network of trusted auto body shops.

• Rental reimbursement – Your policy may cover reimbursement for a rental car during repairs. Mercury can help coordinate rentals.

• Payment – Once repairs are complete, Mercury will pay the auto body shop directly. Your deductible may apply.

• Claims questions – Your adjuster is available throughout the process to answer any questions.

Promptly providing all details about your accident is key to expedite Mercury’s review and approval process. Ongoing cooperation with your adjuster is crucial as well.

Tips for a Smooth Claims Process

Follow these tips for the best experience reporting your accident to Mercury:

• Report promptly – Notify Mercury within 24 hours or ASAP after the accident.

• Compile details – Have all required information ready when reporting.

• Take photos – Use your phone to document damage and the accident scene.

• Keep records – Save the claim number and your adjuster’s contact information.

• Cooperate fully – Answer your adjuster’s questions completely and honestly.

• Ask questions – Don’t hesitate to contact your adjuster if you have any questions during the process.

• Avoid delays – Submit any additional documentation your adjuster requests as quickly as possible.

• Be patient – Understand that the claims process takes some time to complete thoroughly.

Thoroughly reporting your accident and maintaining open communication with your claims adjuster will help ensure you get your claim resolved fairly, accurately, and efficiently.

Who to Contact for Claim Questions

If you have any questions during the claims process, your assigned claims adjuster should be your first point of contact.

Your adjuster’s direct phone number and email will be provided when you first report the accident. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them if you have concerns or need clarification on anything related to your claim.

For general claims questions or if you have issues contacting your assigned adjuster, call Mercury’s claims customer service line at (800) 503-3724. Agents are available 24/7 to assist you.

You can also email Mercury Insurance at [email protected] with any claims issues. Include your full name, policy number, and claim number in your email for faster assistance.

Your Responsibilities During Claims

To facilitate a smooth claims process, make sure you fulfill the following responsibilities:

• Provide complete and accurate details when reporting your accident
• Respond promptly to all requests from your claims adjuster
• Submit any additional documentation, photos, etc. that Mercury requires
• Take your vehicle to an approved Mercury repair shop once directed
• Pay your policy deductible for repairs as specified
• Avoid delays in the repair process on your end
• Notify Mercury if you return the rental car or change rental arrangements
• Notify Mercury immediately if you reopen a claim or require additional repairs

Meeting your obligations will help ensure you receive reasonable payment for your claim in a timely manner. Failure to cooperate with Mercury could possibly result in a denied claim.

Key Takeaways for Reporting to Mercury

• Notify Mercury immediately after an accident via phone, online, or mobile app.
• Provide complete details like accident circumstances, vehicle info, personal details, etc.
• Save your claim number and adjuster’s contact information.
• Cooperate fully with your adjuster throughout the claims process.
• Take photos of the accident scene and vehicle damage.
• Allow Mercury’s approved shops to handle repairs.
• Keep your adjuster informed of any changes to your claim or vehicle status.

Promptly reporting your accident with all necessary information helps set your claim up for the fastest resolution. Maintaining open communication and cooperation with Mercury facilitates excellent service. Follow the steps in this guide, and Mercury will help smoothly guide you through your claim from start to finish.