Filing a car insurance claim is understandably a daunting task to take on, especially if you have never gone through the process yourself. The pressure of getting things right the first time can take a toll on just about anyone.
That is why the following includes a list of the steps you must take in order to successfully submit a claim and get our car fixed as soon as possible.
Gathering the documents you need begins right after your accident occurs. One of the most important of those and one that is going to be requested by your insurance company is the police report.
One of the most common mistakes car owners make with car accident claims is waiting too long to report their accident. Instead, it is highly recommended for you to contact your insurance company and provide your agent with all the details.
After you have reported your claim to your agent, they will assign you to a person called an adjuster. This is the person that is assigned to investigate your claim. The process often includes the question of how much the insurance company is willing to pay for your damages.
Gather Essential Documents
Gathering the documents you need begins right after your accident occurs. One of the most important of those and one that is going to be requested by your insurance company is the police report.
Often times this means asking the officer on-site for a copy of the report, which is likely going to be emailed to you. If it has not arrived for some reason, visiting your local police department must be your next step.
Contact Your Insurance Company Immediately
One of the most common mistakes car owners make with car accident claims is waiting too long to report their accident. Instead, it is highly recommended for you to contact your insurance company and provide your agent with all the details.
Everything must be shared, from who was driving to the types of injuries you or someone has received. It is this quick action that may help you get your expenses covered that much faster. That is why unless you have been admitted into the hospital, there is no reason why you should wait.
Working with Adjusters
After you have reported your claim to your agent, they will assign you to a person called an adjuster. This is the person that is assigned to investigate your claim. The process often includes the question of how much the insurance company is willing to pay for your damages.
This step of your claim may be a little intimidating as most people want to have their damages covered 100%. However, it is important that you stick to your original story and not attempt to embellish it to receive a bigger check.
This is both illegal and may cost you much more in terms of paying out of pocket. However, once this step has concluded, your adjuster will provide you with a check for the amount needed to repair your car and or medical bills depending on your plan.
Although most insurance companies have the same process for submitting a car accident claim, contacting your specific insurance agent is the best way to understanding the process for your particular situation.
Although most insurance companies have the same process for submitting a car accident claim, contacting your specific insurance agent is the best way to understanding the process for your particular situation.
