Having even a teeny-tiny car accident can be one of life's least enjoyable moments. However, accidents happen, and sooner or later, we all have the experience of meeting one of our fellow road travelers up close and personal. Using the following seven steps to filing your claim will help you get over this speed bump as smoothly as possible.
Step 1: Understand your policy
Before a loss, sit down and carefully read your assurance policy. Call your agent or company if you have any questions about what is or is not covered.
Step 2: Exchange information
If you are involved in an accident, get the other driver's name, address, phone number, assurance carrier, and insurer's phone number. Be prepared to give the same information about yourself to the other driver. You can find insurers' telephone numbers on the proof-of-assurance cards that should be carried on your person when operating a motor vehicle.
Step 3: Identify witnesses
Ask witnesses to the accident for their names and phone numbers in case their account of the accident is needed.
Step 4: File an accident report
Contact local law enforcement officers to have an accident report prepared. If law enforcement is not reachable, accident reports and detailed instructions are available at all police departments, sheriff's offices, your local Department of Motor Vehicles office, and on your local Department of Motor Vehicles' web site.
Step 5: Notify your insurer
Contact your assurance company about the accident as soon as possible. An assurance adjuster will review the accident report to determine who caused the accident. If the accident was not your fault, you can have either your assurance company or the at-fault driver's assurance company handle the repair or replacement of your vehicle. If you use the other driver's company, you will not have a claim on your automobile policy and you will not have to pay a deductible.
Step 6: Do not release insurers too early
Do not relieve your assurance company of its responsibility until the damages are settled to your satisfaction. For example, have your assurance company handle the claim if the other party's assurance company questions its policyholder's negligence or offers an unacceptable settlement.
Step 7: Consider these settlement factors
. Bodily injuries: You may be entitled to a monetary settlement for injuries caused by another at fault (liable) party. It can take several days for some injuries to become apparent.
. Damages: The assurance company is responsible to pay for the reasonable cost of repairs to your vehicle. An assurance adjuster will assess the damage. Usually, assurance companies and auto body shops negotiate disagreements about what should be repaired. If you disagree with their conclusions, you have the right to obtain another appraisal at any auto body shop.
. Appraisal clause: Most auto assurance policies include an appraisal clause, which can be used to help settle disputes about physical damage claims between you and your assurance company. (The appraisal clause does not apply for claims you file with the other party's assurance company.) If you cannot reach an agreement with your company, you or your insurer can initiate the appraisal clause. Your appraiser and your insurer's appraiser then select an independent umpire to try to resolve the dispute. Check your policy or ask your agent or assurance company for more information about the appraisal clause.
And that is it. While filing a claim is certainly no fun, following these seven steps will make the process almost as easy as getting free quotes and purchasing your car assurance at http://www.carassurance.com.
Visit http://www.carassurance.com For Your Free Quote
About the Author
Jon Register is a representative of Carassurance.com. You can visit Carassurance.com at http://www.carassurance.com or contact them at 1-877-327-8728.
Carassurance.com offers the ability to shop for car assurance online. Consumers can receive quotes from many assurance companies, in some states you are able to purchase your assurance instantly, online. You don't have to drive your car to buy car assurance. Buy online...anytime!