How to Deal With Insurance Companies After an Accident

Being in a car accident can be a traumatic experience. After the accident, you will need to deal with the insurance company. This may not be pleasant but can go smoothly if you report the accident in a swift manner and provide the insurance company with the necessary information. 

• Act before you leave the scene of the accident. If you can, try to take pictures of the scene, including any damage to your vehicle and other vehicles involved, including the license plates. If you do not have access to a camera or phone with a camera, write down information about the other car and driver, such as the name, insurance policy number, make and model of the car and license plate number. You do not have to do this after an accident, but it will help when you contact the insurance company.


• Call your insurance company immediately after the accident, either while you are still on the scene or when you reach home. A representative will want to know the time, date and situation regarding the accident. You will then be assigned a case adjuster that will guide you through the next steps. Provide the case adjuster with any information you have about the accident, other cars and drivers involved and whether there were any witnesses.


• Provide the case adjuster with paperwork related to the accident, such as a quote for car repairs or bills from repairs you made as a result, doctor bills and diagnosis from the accident and other documents you have acquired since the accident.


• Calculate the compensation you wish to receive from the insurance company for any money spent on vehicle repairs, doctor or hospital visits and additional compensation for any emotional or psychological effects from the accident. The adjuster may offer you a lower compensation amount, but that doesn’t mean it will be the only offer. Push your case to get the highest compensation possible.


• Write down each detail of the insurance claim throughout the entire process for your records. Get everything in writing, including quotes, requested compensation and offers from the case adjuster. When an amount is settled between you and your case adjuster, have it documented with both of your signatures. Follow up with the insurance company regularly for the status on your claim.