vehicle insurance rules require all drivers to notify their insurance provider promptly after being involved in a vehicle accident. A automobile insurance claim is a request to an insurance company for monetary compensation for the physical damage caused by the car accident. Insurance claim laws and rules differ depending on the state, insurance company, insurance coverage, and the severity of the accident.
To make the procedure as stress-free as possible, here are some basic tips for filing a vehicle insurance claim.
Understand your insurance coverage.
The kind of coverage you have will decide who is responsible for paying the damages in the case of an automobile accident.
What to Do in the Event of a Car Accident
Determine the extent of the damage or injuries and if anybody need medical assistance.
Report the automobile collision to the police.
Get the names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance information, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and license plates of everyone involved.
Look for witnesses who are willing to testify about the accident and take down their names and phone numbers.
How to File an Insurance Claim
As quickly as possible, contact your insurance carrier. They will guide you through the claim procedure.
Expect to submit information regarding the accident, such as the time, location, and date of the accident, pictures of the scene, a copy of the police report, and the names, addresses, and insurance information of everyone involved. If you have witnesses, you may use their narrative of what happened to back up your allegation.
If the two parties disagree, be prepared to get a call from the other driver’s insurance company requesting your story of the collision.
Investigation
A claims adjuster will inspect your car and estimate the cost of repairs. Typically, insurance companies and auto body shops work out differences over what should be repaired.
Payment
Depending on who is at fault, each party’s insurance carrier is obligated to pay for the fair cost of vehicle repairs.
If you are not at fault, you may be able to seek reimbursement for your collision insurance deductible, time off work, auto rental differential, and the amount of your car’s diminished resale value, in addition to the physical damages to your vehicle, depending on the type of coverage the other party has.
