Car Insurance Claims Information
When an accident occurs involving a vehicle, the drivers involved will need to file a claim. States have various laws that determine how an individual claim needs to be filed. Some states have no-fault insurance laws that require individuals to submit claims to their own insurance company. In other states a claim needs to be filed with the other driver's insurance company. Individuals need to know the various steps involved when submitting a car insurance claim.
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After an Accident
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When a car accident occurs that causes damage to a vehicle, information should be exchanged between drivers. This includes license plate numbers, contact information such as a telephone number and the auto insurance of the other driver involved. Most states require drivers to carry a proof of insurance certificate with the insurance company contact information. The police should also be called to make sure a police report has been completed for the accident.
Get Witnesses
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When an accident occurs, witnesses should be located who can verify what happened or to explain what they saw when an accident occurred. If there are witnesses available, get their contact information in case it is needed by the insurer when investigating a claim. If no witnesses are available, make sure a police report or incident report is undertaken as an additional source of information about the accident.
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Contact Insurer
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Shorty after an accident, the insurance company of the insured should be contacted to start the claims process. Most car insurance companies have a 24-hour claims response service that can be contacted by phone. An insurance ID card with the policy number may be needed when reporting an accident to an insurer. Contacting their own insurer is required of individuals in states that have no-fault insurance laws.
Additional Claims
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When a claim is paid by an insurer, there are times which additional medical expenses exceed any medical payments for injuries. When this occurs, an individual can make a claim or sue for the reimbursement of costs from the other driver's insurer. Typically, costs can be recovered for expenses that exceed the coverage provided by an automobile insurance policy. However, some states with no-fault insurance laws require a certain threshold to be met before an individual can sue for damages.
Insurance Adjuster
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When an insurer is notified of an accident, an insurance adjuster will be dispatched to examine the damage that was done to the vehicle. The adjuster will then determine how much it will cost to repair the damage or replace the vehicle and provide an estimate. The adjuster will submit this information to the insurance company, which will provide a check minus the applicable deductible. Some insurance adjusters may provide a check at the scene of an accident.
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