How to File a Car Insurance Claim
What if the worst thing happened on the road, and you did not know what to do next?
If you are like many other people, you might find the possibility of getting into an accident one of the scariest things about driving. And even though you have auto insurance for protection in the event of a wreck, you may not even know how to file a car insurance claim.
Waiting too long before filing an insurance claim can jeopardize your chances of getting a proper payout and, in some cases, may keep you from getting any payout whatsoever. That could potentially leave you holding the bag for some very expensive repairs and even major legal bills.
Ready to learn what you need to know to protect yourself? Keep reading to learn everything you need to know, including the most effective auto claims tips.
Navigating the Basics of Auto Insurance Claims
Here is some good news: You can file a car insurance claim easily in most cases. The process involves documenting the damage, gathering supporting info to help make your case, and then reporting what happened to your insurance carrier.
Your agent will then let you know whether the accident is covered and walk you through how to file a claim. In most cases, you can file on the carrier’s website or custom app. But your timing and detail-gathering may ultimately determine how much (or how little) actually pays out.
Why Timing and Details Matter in Filing a Claim
Even if you are simply confused about how to file an insurance claim, you cannot afford to wait very long to file. The longer you wait, the less likely the carrier is to pay because they may doubt the severity of your injuries or automobile damage.
However, make sure you do not file before you have properly gathered details about the accident, including extensively documenting what happened with photos and videos if able. Otherwise, your payout may be reduced, or your claim may be outright denied because the carrier will not have enough evidence of your claims and may have difficulty determining who was at fault.
Initial Steps to Take Post-Accident
As touched on before, claims for car accidents can be fairly simple because there are only a few key steps. Those steps are essential, though, and it is equally important to know what to do in each step.
What are the first steps you should take, and why are they so important? Below, you will find all the information you need.
Safety First: Assessing the Situation and Calling Authorities
After a car accident, you should always make sure you and everyone else are safe before you worry about filing an insurance claim. If anyone is injured, the damage is extensive or the road is blocked, be sure to contact 911. Medical professionals will be able to help with any injuries, and the police can help you and the other driver. As a bonus, the police may be able to provide additional documentation that helps with your later claim.
Information Gathering: What You Need at the Scene
Once you know everyone is safe, you need to write down any statements and contact info from witnesses who may be able to help verify your claims. If there was a police report, you should try to obtain it before filing. Remember, anything that can help corroborate your claims versus the claims of the other driver may help your case.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim After an Accident?
Depending on which state you live in, you may technically have between two and four years to file an insurance claim. Reasonably, though, you should file claims for car accidents as soon as you have proper documentation because the longer you wait, the likelier your claim is to get denied. Even if it is accepted, a long wait may reduce how much money you receive.
Contacting Your Insurer: The Start of Your Claim
Once you have all the documentation and evidence collected (more on this soon), you can give yourself an easy car insurance claim experience by contacting your carrier or individual agent. They will walk you through how to file over the phone, in person, or on the website. It is important to ensure any evidence you collect accurately reflects what happened.
Documentation and Evidence Collection
To file a car insurance claim easily, you need sufficient documentation and evidence to support your account of the accident. Unfortunately, many drivers do not know where to start with this process, jeopardizing the odds of a successful claim.
Fortunately, there are just a few easy steps to memorize when it comes to collecting evidence. And once you know those steps, you will never be taken by surprise again.
The Role of Photographic Evidence in Supporting Your Claim
If you are worried about how to file a car insurance claim, remember this rule: Seeing is believing for your carrier. You need to take extensive photographs of the damage to your vehicle and, if possible, the damage to the other car. While not required, videos may also help you more dynamically prove the extent of the damage.
Dealing With Adjusters and Estimates
Most of the time, carriers can use the visual evidence you collect to determine whether to pay out and how much to pay. In some cases, though, they may send out an insurance adjuster to verify the car’s damaged status. This is most common in cases where the vehicle is a total loss.
Both the carrier and the adjuster may recommend local vehicle repair places if repair is possible. But it is in your best interest to get multiple estimates on your own. This can help you save time and potentially even save money if you find a better local deal than your carrier finds.
Finalizing Your Insurance Claim
Before filing your car insurance claim, it is important to conduct a kind of checklist. First, gather any documentation from your end, including medical bills if you were injured (they will be covered by the liability auto insurance of the other driver if you are not at fault) and repair estimates for your damaged vehicle. Be sure to gather all the images and videos you have taken documenting the damage.
Second, include any police reports and contact information for other witnesses who will back up your story. When you are ready, contact your carrier or agent, and they will walk you through the final steps needed to file.
Receiving Your Insurance Payout: What to Expect
After you successfully file, the carrier will evaluate your evidence and make a payment, possibly after sending an insurance adjuster to your home. The exact amount paid out may be determined by multiple factors, including your limits, your policy, and the regulations and restrictions of your carrier.
If Your Vehicle Is Totaled: Knowing Your Options
Here is an easy auto claim tip: Most claims are partial losses, meaning the vehicle can still be repaired. In the event of a total loss, most policies will pay out the actual cash value of the vehicle, which will have depreciated (possibly significantly) since your initial purchase. If you have a replacement value policy, though, it will pay out enough for you to buy a similar car at a dealership to replace the totaled one.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls in Claim Filing
If you want an easy car insurance claim process, you need to avoid certain pitfalls. These include waiting too long to file, not documenting evidence sufficiently, not cooperating with your carrier — and, of course, not knowing how to read and understand your auto insurance policy.
If you avoid these mistakes, your payout should go very smoothly. The only thing that can make it go smoother is having the best insurance company in your corner.
Looking for a Company with a Simple Claims Process? Get a Free Quote
Now you know important auto claim tips, including how to file a car insurance claim, what the exact process is, and common mistakes to avoid. You also know how to gather evidence and maximize the payout you receive. But do you know which insurance carrier you can trust whenever the worst happens?
At InsureOne, we specialize in protecting vehicles and, more importantly, the people driving them. Are you ready to finally get the best in both service and price when it comes to insurance? All you have to do is get a quote online. You can also pick up the phone and give us a quick call at 800-836-2240. Finally, feel free to come find an InsureOne office near you.