Filing a claim against your auto insurance might be one of the least enjoyable experiences related to driving that you'll ever have to live through. However, as a driver and policyholder you can minimize that unpleasantness by understanding the process for filing and being ready when an accident happens and you need to take action. Even if we drive carefully, accidents do happen from time to time and we need to be prepared. Here is a quick overview of the process of filing a car insurance claim.
Understand Your Car Insurance Coverage
It is important to understand your cheaper car insurance policy and all of the coverage it represents before a loss event occurs so that you are familiar with all of its terms and ready to go when a claim arises. Getting to know your coverage will make you feel more prepared and able to focus on your proper response when an accident happens. If you do get into a collision, first make sure that everyone involved is okay. See if anyone involved needs medical attention and make arrangements to get that done, whether by ambulance or other means.
Exchange insurance and personal information with the other driver while you are still at the scene. This should include phone number, address, email, drivers license number, auto insurance policy number, agent name and number, and any other personal information you might find important. Be willing to share your information so you can make sure to get it from the other driver, especially if you feel that they were to blame for the accident.
Find Witnesses to Accident Scene
While you are still on the scene, see if you can identify any eyewitnesses that can share what they saw for police and for insurance investigators. Ask for their phone numbers and names to have them in case you have questions later. Make sure to file an accident report even if the collision was minor. This often helps drivers later during the claims process. If law enforcement officials are somehow not available to come to the scene (they sometimes won't if an accident was minor and no one was seriously injured), you can get accident reports to fill out at the station or online at law enforcement websites. They are usually also available at DMV offices.
Let your insurance company know what happened as soon as you possibly can. They need this information quickly so that their investigator and/or adjuster can get out to the scene and do their job. It also helps to let them know what happened so that the claims process can get rolling. Sometimes you might want to use your own insurance to replace or repair the vehicle, and sometimes you'll want to use the other driver's if the accident was their fault. Earlier decisions are better because they help get you headed toward settlement faster.
Auto Insurance Claims Settlement
Do not just settle for the sake of moving on. Don't accept a settlement offer until you get one that you can live with. Think about settlement factors like bodily injuries, damages, and an appraisal clause, which can help settle disputes about physical damage claims. Do not be pressured into settling, particularly in situations where the other driver was clearly at fault.
Settling a claim fast can be done if all sides are fairly motivated to get it done and there is no dispute about liability in the accident. Learn more about your policy details and compare quotes on low priced coverage that will work for you when you need it in the event of a claim.
