Filing a car insurance claim is a lengthy process. It is not as simple as reporting an accident to your auto insurance company and getting the funds for repair right away. There are certain protocols that they need to follow and being patient is the best attitude when it comes to these kinds of situations. If we are too eager to get money from our auto insurance policy, we might not get the best service. So, here are some steps that we can take in order for us to have a smooth sailing car insurance claims process.
If you were involved in a car accident, the first thing that you need to do is to see if you are hurt as well as other people that may be involved in the accident if they are injured. If there are people who are badly hurt and needs medical attention fast, call an ambulance. But if no one is hurt that bad, call the police immediately and report the incident. While waiting for the authorities to arrive, check your car for any damage brought by the accident. It is also important for you to check the other party’s vehicle for damages. If you have a camera or a camera phone with you, it is advised that you take pictures of both vehicles and the scene. These photos will definitely help you with the claims process.
After taking pictures, coordinate with the other party and exchange information with them. You need to provide them your complete name, what car insurance company you have, the company’s phone number as well as your policy number, phone numbers they can contact you at, and the make and model of your vehicle. You will also need this information from them because if police report says that you are the victim, you have their details and you can follow up on the claim they need to file. But if in the report it says that you are at fault, it is your responsibility to provide the information to your auto insurance company so they can take appropriate action to the victims.
After exchanging information, what you need to do is to wait for the police report and contact your auto insurance company that you were involved in a car accident. Provide them with the photos and information of the other party so they can do their investigation. Next, to make it an easier process, get the cost of repair estimated at least two times from different repair shops so auto insurance companies have an idea on how they will be providing. After all of this, just wait for the claims process to be complete. Your auto insurance claims representative will update you on this.
