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What should you do in the event of an accident? The simple initial steps are moving your car to the side of the road, checking on everyone’s safety, dialing 911, taking pictures of the vehicles, exchanging information with the other party, and calling your insurance company. However, what should you do if the insurance provider calls?
Having the appropriate forms of insurance in place guards against financial disaster in the event of the unthinkable. Additionally, depending on the type of damage you are dealing with, submitting an insurance claim may assist in reducing some of the financial strain. In this blog, we are going to cover the steps to follow to file a car insurance claim.
How Do Car Insurance Claims Work?
When you submit an insurance claim, you’re formally asking your insurance provider for money to assist you in covering the costs of repairs and other expenses resulting from a policy event (such as a car accident or a home invasion) that is covered by your insurance.
The insurance provider typically sends an insurance adjuster to look into what happened after you submit all the paperwork. You will then receive a payment to cover your losses if the claim is verified and authorized.
How to File a Car Insurance Claim?
Remember to remain composed after an accident, call the police, stay put in a secure area, take pictures, and, if possible, exchange information with the other driver. Even though making a claim after a car accident can be traumatic, it shouldn’t be. But always remember that this type of process takes time. What you ought to do if you submit an automobile insurance claim is as follows:
Contact Your Insurance Company
Your insurer will probably ask for the following information whether you submit your vehicle insurance claim over the phone, online, through a mobile app, or with an agent:
- Location, date, and time of the accident
- Name, address, phone number, and insurance policy number for all involved in the accident
- Weather condition
- Photo(s) of the damaged vehicle(s)
- Copies of the police and/or accident reports, if applicable
Review the Coverages and Deductible Choices in Your Policy
Knowing how you are covered is essential and can set proper expectations for your claim. Your vehicle insurance deductible number on your policy shows how much you must pay out of pocket for a covered claim, but your coverage limits show the most amount your insurer will likely be able to reimburse you for.
Collaborate With Your Insurance Adjuster
A claims adjuster from your insurance carrier will normally visit your car to assess the extent of the damage sustained in the collision and to assess your losses. This aids the adjuster in identifying the accident’s cause. According to the Insurance Information Institute, they will also give a preliminary estimate of the cost of repairs, including parts and labor.
Get Your Car Repaired
You have the option to select the business that works on your car. Your insurer will pay you or the repair shop, less your deductible, assuming that your claim has been granted. Your insurer issues a check to you or your lender for the automobile’s value, less your deductible if your car is irreparably destroyed.
Once you’re given the go-ahead for repairs, we suggest keeping all receipts for purchases or hired work. This is so that your insurance company has the documentation needed to effectively and correctly complete your claim.
Is There a Downside to Filing an Auto Insurance Claim?
It’s usually best to call your insurance provider as soon as possible after an accident with another car. It can help cover the costs of any property damage or injuries you cause while driving (up to the limits of your policy) and the costs of your legal defense, should you be prosecuted.
Trying to reach a financial agreement with the other driver on your own leads you to the risk of being sued later if the other driver’s damages are more extensive than what you pay them.
Talk to the Insurance Experts
Tips on Filing Auto Insurance Claims
Here are some tips you can follow in order to help you with filing your car insurance claim:
- Check for surveillance footage close to the crash location; if any is present, request that the property owner keep the tape.
- Take thorough notes on every conversation you have with an insurance company representative. You should also acquire the names, phone numbers, and work titles of everyone you interact with, along with their supervisor’s name.
- When speaking with your insurer, be open and truthful. It is best if your insurer is aware of all the details, no matter how embarrassing it may be. Being dishonest with your insurer could result in the cancellation of your insurance or rejection of coverage.
- From the time of the covered occurrence until your insurance company settles your claim, keep all receipts for food, accommodation, and purchases made while you were working on your claim or healing from your injuries.
Talk to the Insurance Experts
It’s crucial to be ready, whether you’ve recently been in an accident or haven’t had one in a long time. Making sure you have the appropriate coverage in place is necessary.
At Pronto Insurance, we provide custom-made coverages to fit all your needs. Our advisors have the experience and understanding to guide you toward the ideal course of action. Get in touch with our team and get a free quote!
