Filing an Auto Insurance Claim Getting involved in a car accident is stressful, even if no one is injured. The procedures of filing an insurance claim can add to your stress and confusion. It is helpful when you have some prior knowledge of what to do in such a situation. Here are some ideas to help you to go about filing the claim.
When the Claim should be Filed
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident, irrespective of whose fault it is. This also applies to non-accident related damage such as fire, flood, or vandalism. The insurance company’s helpline number is on your insurance card. If for any reason the card is not available, go online or check the policy document for the phone number.
The Information You Need to Provide Your insurance company will normally ask you for the following:
Your name and policy number
The validity of the policy (the start and end dates)
The date, time, and location where the accident or damage occurred
The names and complete contact details of all the drivers and passengers involved as well as of any witnesses. Make sure you get witness details, if there are any.
Details of the licenses and plate numbers of all the drivers and vehicles involved
In addition, the insurance company may ask for a sworn statement from you that gives complete details about the events that resulted in the damage. Do not forget to take photos of the accident scene and damaged parts of your car. Your phone camera is a great tool for this. Note details of any personal harm that may have occurred.
5 Stages of the Claim Process Once you contact the insurance company, here is what normally happens:
A claims representative will be assigned to work on your case.
You will be asked to speak with the claims representative to discuss the details of the case and provide any clarifications and additional information that may be required.
A claims adjuster will be assigned to examine the extent of damage of your car and, at times, release an initial payment towards the cost of repairs. A Superior Collision Shop can often perform this task by submitting the required photos and estimate electronically. This saves time and energy for our customers.
Once the repairs have been completed, a final repair bill will be provided to you and the appropriate payments released.
Finally, the case will be closed.
This process may appear simple and straightforward, but insurance companies have their own procedures that must be followed with due diligence. The best way to handle insurance issues is to have your auto body repairs done at a shop that specializes in collision repairs and can properly represent you while working with your insurance company. With a lifetime guarantee being provided you will have confidence of the repair work performed. In addition, they are well versed in insurance claim procedures.
They can handle most things on their own, and guide you where you must do a few things yourself.
Bodily damage claims
If you are not the one at fault in an accident, you will normally be covered in California by the other driver’s bodily injury liability coverage. However, in some cases, you may need to pay for your medical expenses yourself through a personal injury protection coverage. If you do a lot of out-of-state driving, you may want to consider taking extra coverage for your protection, when an accident happens in a no-fault state. When you are injured in a car accident, the following are certain things you can and should do, your physical condition permitting. The claim process becomes easier then.
Take or have photos taken of the accident scene and of the injuries you and your passengers have suffered.
File a police report, check that it is accurate and obtain a copy of it.
Visit a doctor and get a detailed report on the injuries that you and your passengers have sustained.
Prepare a detailed statement of all the issues related to your injury, including the activities you will miss. This is vital if you must file a lost wages claim.
If you see any signs of problems with your insurance company or with that of the other driver, consult an attorney. The quicker you do this, the faster the action you can take to protect your interests.
Never admit fault at the scene of the accident.
Property damage claims If your car has been damaged in an accident, do the following, please.
Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as possible. Reporting procedures vary from company to company. You may be able to do this online, on the phone or by calling the company’s claims division. Know the procedures clearly, so that you can act quickly if an accident occurs.
If a third vehicle is involved in the accident, you should exchange driver information.
Have your car inspected before repairs begin. This inspection can often be performed by a competent repair facility like A Superior Collision Shop, and then submitted to your insurance company electronically.
Protect your car from additional damage after the accident. For example, if a dented part of the body is rubbing against a tire and it is not fixed immediately, the insurance company may try to refuse payment for any additional damage that may occur because of this. It is wise to have the vehicle towed to the repair facility when further driving will may cause additional damage.
Save all the receipts and documentation connected with the repairs of your car.
Provide your insurance company with all the information they ask for without hesitation. Lack of cooperation on could result in prolonging of the claim.
Get Back to Normal Fast Whatever the causes of the accident and the extent of injury and damage, you need to get back to normal and resume your life as soon as you can. The best way to do this is to take your car to a shop that specializes in accident repairs and is familiar with the relevant
insurance regulations and laws. Their experience will ensure the proper repair of your car and your peace of mind when you resume driving. Their knowledge of insurance-related issues will help you shed a great deal of the burden off your shoulders and you can get the car back quickly. Moreover, their guidance will be of immense help if you must act for yourself. Did you find these ideas useful? Leave a comment.
A Superior Collision Shop 864 South McGlincy Lane, Ste A Campbell, CA 95008 autobody@asuperiorshop.com http://www.asuperiorshop.com/