Filing an Auto Insurance Claim (Part 2)

 

In the last blog post, we looked at the basics of filing an automobile accident insurance claim. You will get to know, in this post, about bodily injury and property damage claims, which can be more complicated. 

Bodily damage claims

If you are not the one at fault in an accident, you will normally be covered in California by the other driver’s bodily injury liability coverage. However, in some cases, you may need to pay for your medical expenses yourself through a personal injury protection coverage. If you do a lot of out-of-state driving, you may want to consider taking extra coverage for your protection, when an accident happens in a no-fault state. 

When you are injured in a car accident, the following are certain things you can and should do, your physical condition permitting. The claim process becomes easier then.

1. Take or have photos taken of the accident scene and of the injuries you and your passengers have suffered.
2. File a police report, check that it is accurate and obtain a copy of it.
3. Visit a doctor and get a detailed report on the injuries that you and your passengers have sustained.
4. Prepare a detailed statement of all the issues related to your injury, including the activities you will miss. This is vital if you have to file a lost wages claim.
5. If you see any signs of problems with your insurance company or with that of the other driver, consult an attorney. The quicker you do this, the faster the action you can take to protect your interests.
6. Never admit fault at the scene of the accident.

Property damage claims

If your car has been damaged in an accident, do the following, please.

1. Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as possible. Reporting procedures vary from company to company. You may be able to do this online, on the phone or by calling the company’s claims division. Know the procedures clearly, so that you are able to act quickly if an accident occurs.
2. If a third vehicle is involved in the accident, you should exchange driver information.
3. Have your car inspected before repairs begin.This inspection can often be performed by a competent repair facility like A Superior Collision Shop, and then submitted to your insurance company electronically. 
4. Protect your car from additional damage after the accident. For example, if a dented part of the body is rubbing against a tire and it is not fixed immediately, the insurance company may try to refuse payment for any additional damage that may occur because of this.  It is wise to have the vehicle towed to the repair facility when further driving will may cause additional damage.
5. Save all the receipts and documentation connected with the repairs of your car.
6. Provide your insurance company with all the information they ask for without hesitation. Lack of cooperation on could result in prolonging of the claim.

Get Back To Normal Fast

Whatever the causes of the accident and the extent of injury and damage, you need to get back to normal and resume your life as soon as you can. The best way to do this is to take your car to a shop that specializes in accident repairs and is familiar with the relevant insurance regulations and laws. Their experience will ensure the proper repair of your car and your peace of mind when you resume driving. Their knowledge of insurance-related issues will help you shed a great deal of the burden off your shoulders and you can get the car back quickly. Moreover, their guidance will be of great help if you have to act for yourself.

Did you find these ideas useful? Leave a comment. Tell us what you would like to read further.

More in our next post.