Filing a Car Insurance Claim (Seven Steps)

by MarketProSecure

Having even a minor accident can be a very unpleasant experience. However, accidents do happen and sooner or later for many of us the need to file an insurance claim becomes a reality. Following these seven steps should help make the process easier.

1. Understand your policy

This might seem obvious, but so many people do understand what their policy covers. Do not wait for an accident to happen. Take time to sit down and carefully read through your policy. If you have any questions about any aspect of it call your agent or insurer straight away.

2. Exchange information

If you are involved in a car accident, get the other driver's name, insurance carrier, address, phone number, and insurer's phone number. Be prepared to give the same information about yourself. You can find insurers' telephone numbers on the proof-of-insurance cards that should be carried on your person when operating a motor vehicle.

3. Identify witnesses

Find the witnesses to the accident and ask for their names and phone numbers in case their account of how the accident took place is needed later.

4. File an accident report

Contact local law enforcement officers to have an accident report prepared. If law enforcement is not reachable, accident report forms and detailed instructions on how to complete them are available at all police departments, sheriff's offices, your local Department of Motor Vehicles office, and on your local Department of Motor Vehicles' web site.

5. Notify your insurer

Contact your insurance company about the accident immediately. An insurance adjuster will review the accident report to determine who caused the accident. If the accident was not your fault, you can have either your insurance company or the at-fault driver's insurance company handle the repair or replacement of your vehicle. If you use the other driver's company, you will not have a claim recorded against your automobile policy and you will not have to pay a deductible later.

6. Do not release insurers too early

Do not relieve your insurance company of its responsibility until the damages due are settled to your satisfaction. You can have your insurance company handle the claim if the other party's insurer questions its policyholder's negligence or offers an unacceptable settlement.

7. Carefully consider these settlement factors

• Bodily injuries: You may be entitled to a monetary settlement for injuries caused by another at fault (liable) party. It can take several days for some injuries to become apparent.
  
  
• Damages: The insurance company is responsible to pay for the reasonable cost of repairs to your vehicle. An insurance adjuster will assess the damage. Usually, insurance companies and auto body shops negotiate over disagreements about what should be repaired. If you do not accept their conclusions, you have the right to obtain another appraisal at any auto body shop you choose.
  
  
• Appraisal clause: Most car insurance policies include an appraisal clause, which can be used to help settle disputes about physical damage claims between you and your insurance company. The appraisal clause does not apply for claims you file with the other party's insurance company. If you cannot reach an agreement with your company, either you or your insurer can initiate the appraisal clause. When this happens your appraiser and your insurer's appraiser select an independent umpire to try to resolve the dispute. Check your policy or ask your agent or insurance company for more information about the appraisal clause.
  
  

Published: November 23, 2007

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