Guide to Filing Auto Insurance Claims
Filing auto insurance claims can be a stressful challenge. Knowing your way around the process is important. A car accident can cause injuries and serious damage to your automobile. It is hard to know what informaton you will need to proceed. Knowing how to navigate the claims process will make for a less stressful situation.
You've just had an accident. What next?
- Call the police. It is important to file an accident report or incident immediately while the details are still fresh. The officer will speak with all involved parties and create a report. The report can help determine which party was at fault, which will be important to your insurance claim.
- Be completely honest with the officer. If you believe you may be injured, no matter how slight, be sure to let the officer know.
- Use a disposable camera or even a camera phone to document pictures of the damage and the accident scene.
- Be sure to trade information with the other party. Record the full name, driver's license number, full address, insurance company and policy number, and the vehicle's color, make, model and license plate number.
- Call your insurance company to report the accident. No matter how minor you might think the accident was, you could have hidden injuries or damage to your vehicle.
- If you choose, you may wish to hire an attorney. If you have been injured, the attorney will help make sure that you are treated fairly and that the insurance company covers your injuries and repairs to your vehicle.
Following the above steps will help to ensure that your auto insurance claim is processed as easily and stress-free as possible.