Automobile damage happens more often than anyone wants to think about. It is to your benefit to know in advance what is needed to file an insurance claim.
First, know what your policy covers before you need it. If there is something you don’t understand, ask your insurer for clarification.
Insurance regulations may differ from one state to another, but vehicle damage claims use the same basic steps:
Step 1: Get a Police Report – Call 911 only for emergency medical help for serious injuries. Otherwise, call the police directly when you have an accident or other car damage, like vandalism. If the police do not think it is necessary to file a report, ask for an incident report.
For an accident in a parking lot, you may have to ask mall security or a shop owner to file a report for you. Do your best to get something in writing.
If you are unable to get the police to the accident site, prepare your own report at the police station or the Department of Motor Vehicles, in person or online.
Make copies of any paperwork for your insurance company and your own files.
Step 2: Exchange Contact Information – It is a good idea to keep paper and pen in your car for times like this. Write down the other party’s license plate number, name, address, phone number, and their insurance company’s name and number. Give them the same information on yourself.
Step 3: Find Witnesses – Check around for anyone that would be willing to tell what they saw. Get their contact information. If this is not possible, the police report should provide information on any witnesses.
Step 4: Take Pictures – If possible, use your camera phone to take pictures of the incident.
Step 5: Contact Your Insurance Company – Call your insurer as soon as possible.
Step 6: File With Your Insurer – If the other driver wants to discuss who is at fault, tell them that it will be up to the insurance companies to decide. First file a claim with your own insurance company. They will tell you the best way to proceed with the other company.
Step 7: Prepare to Talk to The Other Insurer - Expect to receive a call from the other insurance company for your version of the accident. Before this happens, write down exactly what you will be telling them. Since they will likely tape your testimony, make sure your statement stays the same.
Step 8: Assess the Damage – Either an adjuster or repair shop will estimate the repairs or replacement cost. Your insurance company will let you know how they handle this step.
If you disagree with the repair assessment, obtain an appraisal at another body shop.
Step 9: Deal With Disputes – If you think your carrier’s settlement offer is too low, you can ask for a form of arbitration. Some policies have an appraisal clause for disputes.
When you have an unsatisfactory offer from the other party’s carrier, you may not get a dispute resolution. If the amount is significant, it may be worthwhile to take legal action.
Step 10: Handle a Denied Claim - If your insurer rejects your claim, have them send you an explanation. Use the appeals process if their reasons are not good enough.
Having an accident or dealing with vandalism to your vehicle is stressful enough. No one needs the added stress of not knowing how to file a claim. Working closely with your insurance company is the best way to make the filing procedure as easy as possible.
