How To File An Auto Claim
It is very likely you will have to file an auto insurance claim at some point in your life. With over 200 million drivers in the US, accidents are unfortunately inevitable.
Thankfully, the overwhelming majority of auto accidents do not involve any serious injury. However, damage to your vehicle needs to be addressed appropriately and the insurance company is not always on your side.
While calling the insurance company to report the claim may seem simple, there are lots of steps in the process that you should be aware of to make sure you get everything you are entitled to.
Step 1: (at scene of the accident): Call 911 and wait for the police to get there. The report that the police make is very important because it documents the details of the accident impartially.
Step 2: Get the license plate numbers, names and phone numbers, and auto insurance information from all parties involved. Drivers are required to carry their insurance card with them, so be sure to write down the insurance company name, policy number, and the name of the insured on the card.
Step 3: Find witnesses and be sure to get their contact information. Determining who was at fault in the accident can be helped by any witnesses on the scene and is very important. Specifying who is at fault, or partially at fault, can make a big difference in the overall settlement of a claim.
Step 4: Call your insurance company and to report a claim. Be sure to write down the claim number and the date and time of the accident for your own records. Even if the accident was not your fault, it is still your duty to report the loss to your insurance provider. If you are unsure how to report the claim or not certain if you are covered, try contacting an auto public adjuster. A public adjuster is licensed to assist you with all aspects of a claim. A public adjuster does not work for an insurance company.
Step 5: Tow your vehicle to a body shop of your choice.
Step 6: You will be contacted by an insurance adjuster, an employee for the insurance company, to inspect the vehicle.
Step 7: Rent a car. Most policies include a limit for car rentals.
Step 8: If your adjuster tells you that your car is a total loss and makes an offer to you, do not sign off for it before you speak with a licensed public adjuster, you may be entitled to additional money. settlement offer is too low, you should contact an auto public adjuster immediately.
Step 9: Once your car is repaired, the value of your car often goes down. Accidents are publicly and permanently attached to the vehicles involved. Car buyers generally prefer a car that not been in an accident to reduce the risks of mechanical or frame issues down the line. This loss in value, or diminished value, may be recoverable. Contact an auto public adjuster for more information.
Jason Farbiarz, of AutoDamageClaim.com is a seasoned licensed public adjuster with a 95% success rate to get you the money you deserve.