You might feel worried or shaken up after an accident. It’s possible that you are dealing with injuries and/or worried about the financial consequences of the accident. These kinds of frightening and stressful situations can be overwhelming. It’s important that you remain calm and take the right steps to move forward.
What should you do next? How can you manage all the post-accident tasks to make sure you get back on the road again? Find out how to file an insurance claim for auto and what steps you should follow after an accident.
When should I file an insurance claim?
You may not think immediately about whether or not you should file a claim after a car accident. You may be eligible to file a claim depending on where you live. Each state has its own rules. However, it is best to get in touch with your insurance company immediately after an accident. Even if the other driver attempts to come to an agreement, it is important that you contact your insurance agent immediately and file a claim.
You can file a claim to protect yourself and prevent you from being sued by the other driver for damages. Your insurance company may be able to help you pay up to your policy limits for any property damage or injuries that you cause while driving. If you are ever taken to court, your insurance company can help pay any legal costs.
How to file an insurance claim for auto coverage
At the scene of an accident, you can file an auto insurance claim. These are the steps to take right after an accident until your insurance claim is complete.
1. Collect all the information you need to file your claim
You will need to gather information about the accident scene, including the vehicle information of the other driver, insurance information for everyone involved, contact information for witnesses, and any other pertinent information. While gathering information, you should not blame the other driver nor admit fault. These distinctions should be made by the police and insurance companies.
You can fill out the accident checklist to ensure you have all the necessary information. To be prepared for the worst, it’s a good idea keep a copy of your accident checklist in your glove box.
This information can be useful and supplement the information in the police report. It’s a good idea if you have the ability to, to take pictures of both cars damaged using your mobile phone camera. However, you should not allow anyone to take a picture of your driver’s licence. This could expose you to identity theft.
Finally, check with the police to find out if the DMV is required to be reported the accident. Although the police might handle it for your benefit, it is up to you to determine.
2. Contact your auto insurance company
Call your insurance company before you leave the accident scene. However, you should not call them until you have spoken to the police and exchanging information with the other driver. While many insurance companies offer online claims, you might prefer to speak to someone live to ensure you are doing all they ask.
If your car isn’t driveable, your provider might call a tow truck. They will immediately start the process to get you into another vehicle if you have rental car coverage.
3. Talk to a claims specialist
After confirming that you are okay, and taking down details about the accident, your insurance agent will assign your claim to a claims specialist/ adjuster. This adjuster will help you with the filing of your claim and getting the money for the car damage.
An experienced claims specialist can answer all your questions about the process and take the lead in making sure you get the full amount you owe. The adjuster will represent your interests in dealings with the insurance company if the other driver is at fault.
The claims specialist will likely visit your vehicle to assess the damage and take photographs. If your insurance covers a rental vehicle, and you have not taken care of it when you first called the company, your claims specialist will assist you in reserving a rental vehicle for you. You will need to provide a copy to the specialist if you completed your own accident form on the site.
4. Assess the damage
The one who determines if your vehicle is totaled is your claims specialist. It may surprise you at the amount of damage that it takes to make your car worthless, especially if it is an older vehicle.
This part may be affected by a variety of insurance add-ons or amendments. Your insurer may pay for a replacement car if you own a newer vehicle. This coverage can save you thousands of money over what you would get for the Kelly Blue Book value on your totaled vehicle. How it works, your claims specialist will be able to explain. Gap insurance may be another option that could help you.
You might also be eligible diminished claim value. This is the difference between the car’s value before and after an accident. If you decide to sell your car after it has been in an accident, the buyer may offer less because the car was damaged. You can find out if you are eligible for this coverage from your claims specialist.
5. Obtain a repair estimate
Once your claims specialist has examined your car and determined it is not totaled you will receive a quote from your insurer for the cost of repairing your vehicle. While some insurers work with a vendor for repairs, others allow you to choose the vendor that suits your needs best.
You should not authorize any repairs until the estimate has been received from the company. It is important to confirm that the repair can be paid out of the approved amount by your insurance.
6. Follow-up on your claim and troubleshoot problems
The process should be smooth if you have an experienced claims specialist and a reliable insurance company. Your company should be your advocate during the entire process, especially if the other person has an insurer.
You should first call your company to find out if they have a customer service representative or an ombudsman that can handle your complaints. They should be able find a solution that works for you.
If you feel the amount you are receiving is not fair or consistent with your previous payments, you can file a complaint with your state’s Department of Insurance. If you feel injustice has been done, you can file a complaint online with the agency. Many states have online complaints forms. To find their website, search for the name of your state and “Department of Insurance.”
What happens when the claim has been filed?
After you file a claim with insurance, your provider will send an adjuster out to inspect the vehicle and any property damage. Other important documents will be requested by the adjuster, including the police report, witness statements, photos of the damage, and estimates for repair costs. The adjuster will then pay out to the other driver who was involved in the accident.
An adjuster will also examine the damage done to determine if you require repairs or a total loss. You will then be informed if you will receive a repair settlement or a loss reimbursement.
You will have the option to choose the repair shop you prefer if you are entitled to repairs settlements. The adjuster will issue a check to you based on your vehicle’s value. This can be done by multiplying your vehicle’s repair costs by its actual cash value.
Questions frequently asked
Do I need to file an insurance claim
You can file a claim at your own discretion. You can file a claim if your accident caused minor damage to your vehicle, especially if you are at fault. However, it is possible that your premium costs may rise after filing a claim.
Find out more about Get the cheapest car insurance
If it isn’t your fault, your insurance company should pay the claim. You might be better off filing a claim if that is the case.
How do I start an insurance claim?
You will need to contact your insurer in order to file an insurance claim. Many insurance companies, including larger ones like State Farm or Allstate, make it easy to file a claim online, or via a mobile app. It is possible to file your claim online before you even reach the accident site.
You can call your company to speak with a customer service representative or agent if you have any questions or are uncertain about the process.
Do I have to call my insurance company if it’s not my fault?
Yes. Yes. Even if the accident is not your fault, you should let your company know. They may be able to help you negotiate a settlement with the other driver’s insurance.
It is best to have professionals who are familiar with handling claims handle it for you. If the other driver is slow to pay, your company may be able to help you cover your expenses. Your company may be able to negotiate with the driver’s company for a payment at a later date.