Steps For Filing An Insurance Claim For Your Auto
You may have had auto insurance for quite awhile. But that doesn’t mean you know what to do when it’s time to file a claim. However, filing an insurance claim isn’t that hard. Here are some steps to make it easier.
Get acquainted with the requirements of your own insurance company’s policy. Not all companies are alike in their constraints, so if you want to get paid promptly, know their demands and comply with them.
One example of this is the need to get more than one quote for repairs on a vehicle you have insured. Some companies require two while others may ask for three estimates. Some also designate a place to get an estimate as well. Usually they will approve the lowest bid for the work.
Before you get estimates from garages, you will often have a claim adjustor make an estimate of the cost of repairs. If the vehicle is drivable, you may be directed to a drive up location for the estimate. When the vehicle is not drivable, the estimator usually goes to where the car is located.
When the cost of repairs is more than the value of the vehicle or more than your insurance policy covers, submitting a car insurance claim may result is what is called a total loss. Some call this being “totaled” and in any case, you will only be reimbursed the current value of your car unless you have special replacement value car insurance.
If you can, part of filing or submitting a car insurance claim should begin right after the accident. You should take pictures of the site and of the vehicles involved. Of course, you should get the insurance information and contact information of the other vehicle involved and you need to file a police report where this is required.
Also right away, draw out a little map of where the accident happened. Name the streets and show where the vehicles, people, buildings-whatever was involved-are located. Having a notepad and workable pen or pencil in the car is useful for taking care of this detail while your mind is fresh. Hopefully, you have a digital camera with you or can run into a nearby convenience market for a disposable camera and shoot the accident site and well as all the damages. (Does your mobile phone have a photo option?)
What if you’re at fault? Whether you are or not, don’t go off blathering about it. When you must refer to the accident, try to state facts without embellishing them with statements of fault. It’s also usually a better idea to keep your reports and opinions between you and your insurance company. No need talking freely with the other party or the other party’s insurer.
By having accurate information and by doing exactly what your insurance carrier requires, submitting a car insurance claim does not have to be too frightening. The best plan is to read your policy thoroughly so that you know both your rights and your responsibilities when you actually file a claim.
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