A Step-By-Step Guide To Submitting A Car Insurance Claim
If you’re needing to submit a car insurance claim, you’ve probably been in an accident recently, and need to get the matter dealt with and your life back in order. It’s a stressful time, but the process doesn’t have to be something you dread, as long as you follow some basic steps. We’re going to take you through those in this article. Most people are not thinking too clearly after an accident, so it’s a good idea to keep an accident check list in your wallet, purse, or glove compartment.
Of course, the first thing to do is make sure everyone is safe, and if any medical attention is needed, that this is taken care of immediately. Then, take a few minutes to breathe deeply and put things in perspective. You are alive, the professionals are on their way, and this is a manageable. Because this is a difficult time, it will help to have a list of things to do in your wallet, purse, or glove compartment.
* Get information about every car that stops at the scene of the incident. That includes make, model and license plate. Even if they weren’t involved in the accident, get this information; they could be valuable witnesses.
* Get information from each driver involved in the accident, including their name, address, phone number, and the information from their insurance card. This includes the insurance company, their policy number, the dates that the policy is valid, and any other details listed on the card.
* Ask any witness to the event to give you their name, address, and phone number. Also, try to get a brief account from each of them. These can be very helpful later on when the insurance company assembles their account of what happened.
* Write down your own account of the accident, giving as much detail as you can, and working through the events in order, if you can. You can start with the date, time, and where the accident happened. Important details include which lane you were driving in, whether there were any unusual conditions, such as construction or heavy rain, the level of traffic, and so on. Then try to recall the events before, during, and after the accident as accurately and completely as you can.
*If possible, take photographs of your car, other vehicles involved in the accident, and the scene. If something might be relevant to the incident, go ahead and get a picture of it. You can use a cell phone camera for this, or keep a disposable camera in your car for just such an occasion.
* As soon as is reasonably possible, call your insurance company. They will most likely have a long list of questions to ask you. They’ve done this many times, and have a very thorough and efficient process, so all you need to do is answer as accurately, thoroughly and honestly as you can.
* The police may be called to the scene; if they are, they will file an accident report, and will probably ask you their own set of questions. Again, answer accurately and thoroughly. Make sure you get a copy of their report, and have a copy sent to your insurance company as well.
After the accident, it will probably take some weeks before the claim is fully settled. During this time, it is important to check in with your insurance company, to make sure they have all the information they need and that the process is proceeding normally. If they contact you, reply as soon as you can, so that the process isn’t delayed. Finally, once the claim is completely settled, talk to your agent about any changes to your insurance.
There’s no way to completely alleviate the stress of being in an accident, but you can make the process easier if you stay calm and make sure to get all the information and follow all the steps. Take care to get it right, and you’ll find your claim process is much faster and easier.
No Comments »
Filed under: Business