Filing an Auto Insurance Claim (Part 1)

 

Getting involved in a car accident is stressful, even if no one is injured.  The procedures of filing an insurance claim can add to your stress and confusion. It is helpful when you have some prior knowledge of what to do in such a situation.  Here are some ideas to help you to go about filing the claim.

When the Claim should be Filed

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident, irrespective of whose fault it is. This also applies to non-accident related damage such as fire, flood or vandalism. The insurance company’s helpline number is on your insurance card. If for any reason the card is not available, go online or check the policy document for the phone number.

The Information You Need to Provide

Your insurance company will normally ask you for the following:

• Your name and policy number
• The validity of the policy (the start and end dates)
•  The date, time and location where the accident or damage occurred
• The names and complete contact details of all the drivers and passengers involved as well as of any witnesses. Make sure you get witness details, if there are any.
•  Details of the licenses and plate numbers of all the drivers and vehicles involved
• In addition, the insurance company may ask for a sworn statement from you that gives complete details about the events that resulted in the damage. Do not forget to take photos of the accident scene and damaged parts of your car. Your phone camera is a great tool for  this. Note details of any personal harm that may have occurred.

5 Stages of the Claim Process

Once you contact the insurance company, here is what normally happens:

•  A claims representative will be assigned to work on your case.
• You will be asked to speak with the claims representative to discuss the details of the case and provide any clarifications and additional information that may be required.
•  A claims adjuster will be assigned to examine the extent of damage of your car and,  at times, release an initial payment towards the cost of repairs. A Superior Collision Shop can often perform this task by submitting the required photos and estimate electronically.  This saves time and energy for our customers.
• Once the repairs have been completed, a final repair bill will be provided to you and the appropriate payments released.
• Finally the case will be closed.

This process may appear fairly simple and straightforward, but insurance companies have their own procedures that must be followed with due diligence.

The best way to handle insurance issues is to have your auto body repairs done at a shop that specializes in collision repairs and is able to properly represent you while working with your insurance company.  With a lifetime guarantee being provided you will have confidence of the repair work performed. In addition, they are well versed in insurance claim procedures. They can handle most things on their own, and guide you where you have to do a few things yourself.