Being involved in a car accident is stressful and frightening. After ensuring everyone’s safety and calling for medical attention, if necessary, your next steps should be contacting the police and your insurance company to report the incident. Making a comprehensive insurance claim after an accident in a timely manner is important to get your vehicle repaired or replaced, and be properly compensated for any other losses. However, the claims process can often be complicated and drawn out. Following the proper procedures and staying on top of your claim can help make the process smoother and ensure you get a fair settlement from your auto insurance provider. This article outlines the key steps to take after an accident to successfully make a car insurance claim.
Call The Police And Exchange Information
Immediately after a car accident, call the local police to file an official report. The police report will be required by your insurance company when you make a claim. Exchange basic information with the other driver including names, contact details, insurance information, and vehicle details. Obtain a copy of the police report as soon as possible. Ask the police officer at the scene for information on how to obtain one.
Safety First
The priority after an accident is safety. Check if any medical assistance is needed for you or your passengers and call emergency services if necessary. Move your vehicle off the road if it is safe to do so and get out of your vehicle very carefully if there is traffic passing by. Use emergency equipment like triangles to caution other motorists and turn on your hazard lights until the police arrive. Do not leave the scene of the accident until the local authorities have documented everything.
Contact Your Insurance Provider
Notify your car insurance company of the accident and any claims as soon as you are able. Most insurance companies have 24-hour helplines and emergency claims phone numbers. Be prepared to provide details about the incident including time and location, other parties involved, witness information, the make and model of any vehicles involved, registration and license details, and the police report number.
Choose A Repair Shop
If your vehicle requires repair after an accident, you will need to select an auto repair shop to handle the necessary work. Ask your insurance provider for recommendations on shops within their approved network. If you already have a trusted repair shop or dealer, check with them first to see if they work directly with your insurance company. Obtain multiple estimates to get the repairs covered under your insurance policy. Drop off your vehicle at the chosen shop as soon as possible so the claim can be processed without delay.
Handle Your Claim Responsibilities
To handle your claim responsibilities cooperate fully with your insurance company and the claims handler assigned to your case. Provide any requested information or documentation in a timely manner. Sign and return any forms that need to be completed. Pay any excess or deductibles as stated in your policy. Ensure any repair work approved or recommended by the insurance company is carried out properly before the claim is closed. Stay in touch with the claims handler and follow up if there are any issues around the processing or settlement of your claim.
Settle The Claim
Once all documentation, estimates, and requirements have been provided to the insurance company, your claim will be processed and finalized. Your insurance provider will either pay the auto repair shop directly upon completion of the work or reimburse you for the cost of repairs if already paid for out of pocket, minus any policy excess. If the repair expenses are greater than a certain percentage of the vehicle’s worth, the insurance company may in some situations declare your car a total loss. Be prepared to negotiate a fair settlement in this instance based on research showing the value of comparable vehicles.
Monitor The Status Of Your Claim
After initially reporting the claim, be sure to monitor its progress regularly by calling your insurance company. Specifically, ask if any additional information or documentation is needed from you to finalize the claim. Chase up the insurer if settlement of the claim is taking longer than expected according to company policy or industry standards. For significant claims where there is a dispute over liability or the cost of repairs, you may need to follow up more frequently to ensure everything is resolved in a timely manner. Stay on top of your claim to avoid complications or delays in getting your vehicle back on the road.
