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What Is An Auto Insurance Claim?
So, in case you are not aware, a claim is where you will ask the car insurance company to help you pursue compensation for losses that you may have sustained after an accident has occurred. It is also when you have an insurance company representing you or intervening on your behalf if you are the one who is responsible for damages after an accident. With that said, you are going to pay a lot of money for your car insurance, so consider picking the best company for you before any auto accident ever occurs.
Remember that while saving money is beneficial, you also don’t want to skimp on quality service. There are many good auto insurance companies, but some insurers may not meet your expectations when you need to file a claim. All that said, let’s dive into the five steps to filing a claim!
Step One: Call 911 From The Scene
Whether you had visible injuries or not after a car accident, a police report can help you with your auto insurance claim. Without one, you may find it difficult to pursue compensation for your injuries. Let’s say you and the other party try to leave the scene without reporting the automobile accident. That is illegal in some states.
Then there are the matters of injuries, hostility, and your beat-up car, truck, or SUV. We all hope not to get into accidents, but they happen. Then we just hope no one gets hurt. Sadly, people are injured more often than not, and another reason to call 911 is to get yourself checked out. Car accidents can lead to long-lasting injuries that require attention, which we’ll address.
Then there are the “hostilities” that you might receive from the other drivers. Most are not in a good mood after an accident. Some will be polite and even show concern for your well-being. Some might also threaten you or get violent. Do yourself a big favor here and call 911. After all, if they start brandishing a weapon, your car might not be able to get you to safety. Also, note that many states require you to submit a report to the local DMV as well. If you’re unsure whether you need to, call your insurance agent ASAP.
Step Two: Gather Information & Pictures About The Accident
First, take pictures of your car as soon as you can. Do it at the scene if you have the ability. You will need photos of every part of your car that was impacted by the accident, and they must be of decent quality.
Then write down everything that you may need to file your claim. Make notes for what you’re going to say so you don’t forget an important detail. Write down any phone numbers you may need to call or give to your insurance agent. Another thing you can do at the scene, if you are healthy enough, is to get information from willing witnesses. This can be crucial for your car insurance claim to proceed.
Step Three: It’s Time To Call Your Insurance Company
Again, it’s good if you can do this from the scene of the car accident. Your insurance company might even just send someone out to the accident scene. Remember that bit earlier about paying for good service? Yeah, that is where this applies.
If you’re still at the accident scene, then your car insurance might even pay for a tow truck, assuming you have that included in your insurance. You may also want to consider adding rental car coverage to your auto insurance. Either way, once you have called your insurance company, they will begin handling your claim.
Step Four: Your Insurance Agent
At this point, you will be assigned a specific insurance agent from your insurance company. They will begin talking to all other parties involved to work out a deal for you. Their main goal is to get you and your car back on the road as soon as possible. They will investigate all the circumstances and evidence. Hence, it is essential to have all your information in order.
They will also guide you through many important decisions and might even make a few good recommendations on where it is best to get your car fixed. They will either meet with you in person or simply call you, which is normally up to you. If you have rental car coverage, they will also assist you with that, ensuring your car is properly repaired.
They will also investigate any personal injury you suffered and add it to your claim. Note that it is important to see a doctor within two weeks of an accident in most states. If you did not go to the hospital after the accident, then schedule an appointment with your physician to get yourself checked out. A claim will go through more smoothly the more information your insurance agent has.
Diminished Value Claims & Total Loss Claims
While not a step in itself, this is a brief aside regarding these two subjects. If your car was damaged severely but not severely enough for a total loss claim, then you can consider filing a diminished value claim. This could offset any financial loss down the road, as your car will not be worth as much.
A total loss claim occurs when your car is deemed irreparable and cannot be repaired. This usually happens when there is severe damage to the frame. A vehicle’s metal frame is very difficult to fix and usually impossible. Even if it is fixed, the car may never drive the same again.
The final subject of this topic is gap insurance. If you have a newer vehicle that you owe money on, then you may have gap insurance. Be sure to inform your insurance company of this and contact the company that handles your gap insurance. Failing to do so could be a costly financial mistake.
Step Five: Wrapping Up Your Claim
By following these steps and communicating with your insurer, you may be able to drive your car, good as new, away from the bank with a claim payment. However, there are a few things that may prevent this from happening. The first of which is doing something with your car without notifying your insurance company. Never have any work done to the vehicle without the insurance company’s approval. They are the ones paying for it, after all.
Just be sure to pay any deductible you have when you’re asked to do so. Your insurance adjuster will provide you with an estimate that clearly outlines the work to be done on your vehicle. Also, remember that your insurance company’s response is based on the coverage you pay for with them.
If you need California car accident lawyers or you feel you are being treated unfairly or unjustly by any involved party, including your own insurance company, feel free to contact our experienced attorneys at Arash Law. You can call anytime at (888) 488-1391.
