About General Car Insurance Claims

Getting into an accident is an unfortunate event, even if there are no injuries. It is important to know exactly what to do in the event of an accident and how the claims process works. There are certain things that should be done at the scene of the accident and other procedures along the way that will continue into the claims process.

• After you have been in an accident, you must get medical help if there are any injuries. Remain at the scene and call the police, so the accident can be reported. It is vital that you do not admit fault to anyone and only speak to the police officer about what happened. Gather all of the information of the parties involved, so you have it on hand when filing the claim. Call your insurance company and follow the prompts to file a claim. The representative will make sure they have everything they need from you to begin the investigation and will send out an adjuster to inspect your vehicle. 


• In addition to filing an actual claim, there are aspects of your insurance coverage that you should be aware of. Inquire about personal injury protection and see if this is included in your policy. Personal Injury Protection, (PIP), may also be referred to as “MedPay” in some states. It is a type of no-fault coverage that takes care of the lost wages, medical expenses and other types of out-of-pocket costs that you incur, whether the accident is your fault or not. 


• Another aspect to be aware of when dealing with car insurance claims is whether or not you have coverage against uninsured motorists. Although it is a requirement to be covered, a good number of drivers are not insured. This type of coverage protects you and handles your claims, in the event that you are in an accident with an uninsured motorist.