File a Car Accident Claim

Sooner or later, you are very likely to file a car accident claim.

With over 225 million automobiles on U.S. roads, accidents are inevitable. The law requires that you report any auto accident promptly to your insurance company. But do you know the essentials of filing a proper claim? There are a few easy steps to ensure that the claim process goes smoothly.

The process of gathering information begins at the accident scene. If anyone at the scene requires immediate medical attention, that should be the first priority.  Also, call the police and be sure to give them an accurate description of the accident. That police report represents official documentation of the accident. Even in a small “fender bender,” you can request an incident report. Next, you’ll need to exchange information with the other drivers involved. This includes driver names and phone numbers, as well as insurance company names and policy numbers. Most states require that each driver carry an insurance identification card in his/her vehicle.   Try to find any witnesses willing to provide an account of what they saw and get their contact information.

Determining fault in any accident is essential

Accounts of how an accident happened are often in dispute, and your insurance carrier is obliged to accept your account unless provided with proof to the contrary. Remember too that your insurance premium can be raised if you are at fault in an accident. Some states use what is called the “comparative negligence” concept to assess shared fault in an accident.  Your degree of fault will thus affect your settlement.

Be sure to contact your insurance company quickly

Many companies provide 24-hour claim filing by phone. An agent will take you through the process. Remember, your carrier is acting in your best interest as well as its own. In states with no-fault insurance, you must file initially with your own carrier. There are thresholds (which vary by state) below which your carrier pays all costs but the deductible. If another party is at fault, advise their carrier that you will be pursuing a claim through your auto insurance company. To learn more about your rights and responsibilities read through our car insurance news, advice and resource section.

You will receive a phone call from the insurance company of the other party involved in the accident. Remember that these calls are recorded and that your account will be checked for consistency. It is best not to rely solely on memory but instead to jot down the basic events surrounding the accident. Inconsistencies in your accounts can result in problems with your claim, and even law suits.

An adjuster will visit your home and examine the damage to your vehicle. He/she will likely take a few photos for documentation, and then call later with an estimate of the repair costs. If the repair cost exceeds your deductible, the insurance company will issue you a check for the difference. If your vehicle was “totaled” in the accident, the adjuster will estimate the actual (depreciated) value of your vehicle and the company will issue a check that should pay for a comparable replacement vehicle. Still have questions? Compare Car insurance quotes, be contacted by a local or national agent and get the answers you need.