The time limit to file an insurance claim after the collision is very short depending on state of residence and insurance company. Hence, you need to follow this guide on how to file a car accident claim that’s provided here.
What is an Auto Insurance Claim?
A car insurance claim is a request made by a policyholder to an insurance company for compensation due to damages sustained after a car accident collision. It could also be filed for representation or intervention on the insured’s behalf when they are liable for damages.
Filing a Car Insurance Claim
Car insurance premiums are expensive, so if you’re involved in a car accident, you should file a claim to recover your losses through compensations. The process of filing a car insurance claim may differ by states, but here is a comprehensive guide on how to file a car insurance claim.
#1. Contact the Police
If you are involved in an auto collision, it is important you contact the police immediately and have an officer take down the details on the accident on an incident report.
While the officer is doing that, do the following:
- Determine the extent of damage on your car and injuries you sustained due to the accident.
- Get the information of all the entities involved in the accident:
- Name
- Addresses
- Phonenumbers
- Insurance information
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- License plates
- Get an eyewitness who will recall the account of the accident and testify before a judge if need be. Ensure to get their contact address, phone number, and names.
The police officers should contact emergency services to care for those with injuries and help with dangerous damages. Do not accept responsibility of any sought if the police officer chooses to interrogate you on the scene. Also, ensure to collect a copy of the police report before leaving the accident scene.
#2. Call Your Car Insurance Company
It is important to contact your insurance company as soon as you have taken good note if the level of damage to your car. The insurance company would/may ask you to get the following details about the accident:
- Time, date and place of accident
- Photos of the car accident scene (if you’re in the right condition to take photos).
- A copy of the police report (incident report)
- Names, addresses, and insurance information of everyone involved in the accident.
- Any other information or details they require.
Note: if there is a dispute on who is right or liable, you may get a call from the other parties insurance company seeking to hear your own account of the accident.
#3. Payment
Before you get your compensation, your insurance company’s claim adjuster will come over to access the level of damage on your vehicle and estimate the amount it would cost to repair or buy a new one if the car is damaged beyond repair. He or she may choose the mechanic that would fix your car and arrange for it, or decide to pay you cash that would cover the cost of fixing your car.
