How To File An Auto Insurance Claim

You will most likely need to deal with one or more adjusters who will determine the insurance salvage.  Follow these simple tips to make sure you have taken all the necessary steps to collect the correct information and follow the correct procedure. 

If you prepare in advance you will know the laws and the reporting requirements of your state which will speed up the claims process.  Of course none of us want to be involved in an accident but you just never know so it’s much better to be prepared.

You should always carry an accident package in your vehicle.  That way you will be prepared should you have an accident.  It should contain paper, pen, and accident reporting form which are available online free from the DMV.

If you are involved in an accident stay calm and stop your car, and check for injuries.  If there are injuries do what you can to make the person or persons comfortable then call 911 for the assistance of paramedics and the police.

If the accident is minor and there is only property damage and no injuries, move the vehicles off the road and put your hazard lights.  Set up flares or reflective triangles at the rear and side of the cars to ensure other motorists are aware of your location.

Both drivers should then exchange car insurance information.  This includes the driver’s names, the names of all passengers, and the names of any witnesses.  You also need to exchange addresses and phone numbers.

Next you will need to contact your insurance company and if you feel you need to contact a lawyer now is the time to do so.  Your car insurance company will ask you for the information you collected as well as your policy number, the year, make, model, and license plate number of the other car. 

If the police attend the accident scene request a copy of the accident report from the attending officer and make sure that the officers complete name and how to contact him are on the report. 

If you have a digital camera handy take plenty of photos.  Write down all details pertaining to the accident.  Information such as weather conditions, pavement conditions, visibility and lightening could all become very important in determining who was at fault.

You should also record the estimated speed of both vehicles and do a rough sketch of the accident scene.  Mark the sketch with any useful information such as stop signs or lights.  Record all damage to the car and any other property as well as all body injuries no matter how minor they appear. 

Do not discuss who is at fault with the other driver.  Insurance companies recommend you do not engage in conversation about fault.  Each driver should give the police officer their statement in privacy. 

Let’s hope you never have to file an insurance claim.  But if an accident does occur by following these steps you will be well prepared.  Get Competitive Insurance Rates!