The motor accident rate may be high in the State, but it is surprising how many people do not know what to do if they are involved in a car accident. The same confusion applies to house insurance claims.

A step-by-step guide, entitled Making a Claim, has just been produced by the Irish Insurance Federation (IIF). According to the booklet, after an accident, you need to swap information with the other driver and contact your insurer as quickly as possible and get them to send a claim form.

You should not admit liability or accept blame and you are only required to call the Garda if someone has been injured.

If you have a camera or video in the car, take pictures before the vehicles are moved.

If your insurer recommends a garage to repair your car, all the better, but you should bring the car to a reputable mechanic who will give you a written estimate. Contact the insurer again for authorisation (the forms will need to be completed first). If the damage is minor you may want to pay for it yourself to protect your no-claims bonus. The brochure also deals with third-party claims and what to do if your car is stolen.

The insurer should also be contacted as soon as possible if you have a home or contents claim. You will be sent a claim form and may be required to provide proof of genuineness of the claim - such as a police report in the event of a burglary.

Arrange to have any immediate damage repaired (such as broken windows or door locks) but in the case of a larger repair or replacement claim you need to send the insurer an estimate first.

Homeowners should also avoid automatically renewing their household insurance without reviewing it first, the guide suggests.

The industry estimates that 90 per cent of people have underinsured their contents and could get an even nastier surprise when they make a claim: the averaging clause in their contract could be invoked, resulting in only a portion of their loss being covered.

Finally, the brochure includes useful tips about insuring your contents:

keep receipts for large or valuable items;

keep a list of all your valuable items;

get jewellery, paintings and valuable ornaments valued;

take photographs of jewellery and ornaments;

etch ID number on valuable items.

The brochure, Making a Claim, is available from the IIF Insurance Information Service at (01) 676 1914, or from your insurance company.