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Filing an Auto Claim
Knowing what to do when you have an auto insurance claim can help you avoid some of the headaches, heartache and red tape involved in tackling the process. It can also help you get better value for your insurance dollars. If your car is involved in an accident, if it is damaged by fire, flood or vandalism, or if it is stolen, put your insurance to work for you by following these steps in filing your claim:
- Phone your insurance agent or a local company representative. Do it as soon as possible even if you’re far from home and even if someone else caused the accident. Ask your agent how to proceed and what forms or documents will be needed to support your claim. Your company may require a "proof of loss" form, as well as documents relating to your claim, such as medical and auto repair bills and a copy of the police report.
- Supply the information your insurer needs. Cooperate with your insurance company in its investigation, settlement or defense of any claim, and turn over to the company immediately copies of any legal papers you receive in connection with your loss. Your insurer will represent you if a claim is brought against you and defend you if you are sued as the result of an accident.
- Keep records of your expenses. Expenses you incur as a result of an automobile accident may be reimbursed under your policy. Remember, for example, that your no-fault insurer usually will pay your medical and hospital expenses, and possibly such other costs as lost wages and at least part of your costs if you have to hire a temporary housekeeper.
- Keep copies of your paper work. Store copies of all paper work in your own files. You may need to refer to it later.
- Talk things over with your agent or an adjuster if you are dissatisfied with the settlement offer. Check your policy to see what settlement steps it outlines.
What NOT to do after an accident
Questions you should ask your agent or company representative
How is my claim processed?
Special Claim Problems & Questions
How medical bills are paid after an auto accident
What NOT to do after a car crash:
- Move any injured persons.
- Apologize for the crash.
- Tell any party how much insurance you carry.
- Accept any money. If you do, you forfeit your right to file a claim.
- Agree to forget about the accident. Later on, the other person may file a lawsuit against you.
Questions you should ask your agent or company representative:
- Am I covered for these losses?
- What is my deductible?
- How long will it take to process my claim?
- Does my policy have a time limit on filing a claim?
- Is there a time limit during which claims must be resolved after they are filed? What are those time limits?
So, I’ve filed my claim. How is it processed?
First of all, the insurance company must confirm that your policy is in effect and that the accident is covered. After that is determined, your claim may be assigned to a claims adjuster. The adjuster will look at the damages to your car, evaluate the loss and figure out how much you can claim under your policy. This figure will be the insurance company’s estimate of what they will pay to repair your car—the total claim payment.
You can often save money by going to a mechanic recommended by your insurance company or using generic auto parts for repairs. However, if you feel uncomfortable with their recommendations, remember that it’s your option to get an estimate from another mechanic. In fact insurance companies can’t make you go to just one place for repairs, but they can ask that you get more than one estimate to make sure that they don’t pay an inflated repair bill.
Special Claim Problems & Questions
Q. What if I’m sued for more than my policy limit?
A. Your insurance company will defend you if you are sued, however they may recommend that you get a lawyer. Why? Remember that your insurance company is only at risk for its policy limit. You are responsible for any remaining amount. For example, if you are sued for $1 million and your policy limit is only $300,000, you are responsible for $700,000.
Q. What if I am a passenger involved in an accident?
A. Like the driver, collect all important information—names, addresses, license numbers, policy numbers, etc. How much you will collect for damages depends on how well insured the other drivers are. As a passenger, you can collect for damages from one of two ways: 1) under your driver’s medical payments coverage or 2) filing a claim against the at-fault driver’s liability coverage.
Q. Can I accept a cash advance to have repair done on my car without forfeiting my right for additional money for repairs?
A. Yes, unless you sign an agreement that releases the insurance company from paying you additional money.
Q. What if my car is declared a total loss?
A. If your car is declared a total loss, your insurance company will pay you for its value by using references such as the "blue book" and/or by consulting car dealers. Be aware that the specific condition of your vehicle, including mileage or the tires, influences how much your vehicle is worth. If you feel you deserve more, consult your agent or company.
Q. What if I don’t report an accident to my insurance company?
A. You should report all accidents even if you don’t end up filing a claim. If you don’t report it, you run the risk of being sued by the other persons involved in the accident and your insurance company will be at a disadvantage in defending you.
Q. What if I loan my car to a friend who causes an accident, is he or she covered?
A. Under most circumstances, someone using your car with your permission is covered by your insurance. In most cases, your insurance will treat it just as if you were the driver.
Q. Will my rates go up or will I lose my insurance if I get into an accident or get a ticket?
A. If you are not at fault in the crash, your insurance is usually not affected. If you are at fault, get a ticket for a serious violation (i.e. drunk driving) or are involved in a costly property damage claim (i.e. crash into a tree), your rates may increase at the time of policy renewal because you will be categorized into a higher risk group of people. The same rule generally applies if you get three traffic tickets within three to five years.
How Medical Bills are Paid After an Auto Accident
When you buy auto insurance you need to think about what actually happens when you're in an accident and need to use it...
Updated:
February 28, 2007 1:52 PM
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