Auto Accident Claim Process

Make a Police Report

If you are involved in an auto accident with an insured vehicle and want to begin the claims process you need to get a police report. Even if no other autos are involved in the accident, you need to call the police. Remain at the scene of the accident with your car until the police arrive and fill out a report. Before departing the scene of the accident, the police officer should give you a police report number. When you call your insurance company, you will need to give the insurance agent the police report number. If your vehicle is not drivable, the police will summon a wrecker from the scene of the accident.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Notify your insurance company that you have been involved in an accident immediately to begin the claims process. Give the insurance agent your policy number, your name, the year and make of the auto involved, and the police report number. If your auto needs to be towed, the agent may ask where you took it. Otherwise, the insurance agent may request that you obtain one or more estimates to repair the damage from the accident. The agent may also remind you about your deductible amount for the type of accident in which you were involved. Collision deductibles are usually higher than comprehensive deductibles. Deer auto accidents are usually considered comprehensive claims.

Get Repair Estimates

Obtain the number of repair estimates required by your insurance company and submit them to your agent. Make sure that you are willing to take your auto to each of the repair facilities that you get estimates from, since the insurance company may choose the facility from your estimates. Your insurance agent may need to inspect and photograph the vehicle as well. Wait until you have approval from the insurance company before authorizing repairs to begin. You may want to ask if your policy pays for a rental car to use while your vehicle is being repaired.

Repairs

Drop your vehicle off for the scheduled repairs. You should receive a two-party check in the mail, made out to you and to the repair facility. Endorse the check and turn it over to the repair facility when your auto is completely repaired to your satisfaction. You may want to test drive your vehicle to be sure.

References

• The Auto Claims Process Made Simple
• Auto Insurance Claims Process
• Alfa Insurance--Auto Claims Process