What to do When You Need to File a Claim

Even the best drivers sometimes are involved in an accident that only requires a claim. And when it does happen, the process of filing that claim doesn’t necessarily have to be a needlessly unpleasant addition to the experience. Of course not all accidents fit this description, but when you have a claim to submit, there are a few things you can do to make sure things go a well as possible.

Immediately Following an Accident
First, make sure that no one has been hurt. And don’t dismiss what may seem to be just a minor injury. Not everything is fully clear right after an accident, so if anyone is hurt, a visit to the doctor or nearest hospital is a good idea. Also get the name of any other drivers involved and any other information such as address, phone number, insurance policy number and company. You’ll need to provide that information to others involved in the incident as well. Finally, if there are any witnesses, get their names and phone numbers as well. They may need to give their account of what happened. If the police are present, make sure you know whether they are going to file an accident report.

Steps to Take as Soon as Possible
Don’t delay in letting your auto insurance carrier know about the accident, whether it was your fault or the other driver’s fault. Get a copy of the accident report if one was written by the police following the accident and provide it to your insurance company. Typically, your insurer will use the report to determine who is at fault.

If the other driver caused the accident, you can decide whether to have your insurance company or the other driver’s insurance company repair or, if totaled, replace your vehicle. They will also most likely have a responsibility to address compensation for any injuries you may have sustained in the accident. Another reason to have an at-fault driver’s insurance company handle the resolution of an accident is that there won’t be a deductible that you are responsible for.

If the other driver’s insurance company claims that you are at fault, or there is some contention between the parties as to who caused the accident, you may have to seek the assistance of your insurance provider to ensure that you’re being treated fairly. This is a service they won’t hesitate to provide should you need it. Failure to do so could affect your insurance rates. Obviously, if you did cause the accident, you will need to communicate with your insurance carrier as to what steps need to be taken related to your coverage and any expenses you may seek to have covered as well as any liability to the other driver that you may have.

Disclaimer: The contents of this and all articles provided by Insuredirect.com are for informational use only, as the specifics of any situation will vary with the circumstances. Do not consider the information provided in this article as a recommendation on purchasing any specific auto insurance, homeowners insurance or other type of insurance product, or to provide financial or legal advice. Without exception, all information is presented for information purposes only.

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Rev. V.1 - 11-14-2007