How to File an Auto Insurance Claim
Filing an insurance claim begins the process to repair or replace your car. Your insurance company's claim instructions are listed on your insurance card, which you should have in your vehicle. Depending on the type of accident you had, you might want to call the other party's insurance company to submit your claim, but only if the other driver was fully at fault and the confession is listed in a police report. If your car was damaged by other instances, such as theft, vandalism or collision with an object, or if your car was stolen, you must call your insurance provider as soon as possible.
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Instructions
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Call the police if you're involved in an accident with another person or if your vehicle was stolen. If you've had an accident, the police will document a description of the accident, obtain the other driver's insurance information and note contact information for any people who witnessed the accident. After you've contacted the police, call your insurance company's claim number.
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Tell a claim representative that you've been in an accident or state the kind of damage that your vehicle sustained. Answer any questions the representative asks of you so he can provide the best advice and begin a documented claim process. You don't need to immediately provide a police report, as it usually takes several days to obtain one.
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Write down your claim number. Your insurance representative will provide you with the number once he has taken all of your claim information. Your insurance representative will then provide you with information such as the vehicle inspection process (to determine if the car is a loss), how to pursue a rental car if your policy provides one and any additional instructions for medical or no-fault claims depending on your injuries and state.
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Tips & Warnings
Going through your own insurance company for damages might require you to pay your deductible for vehicle repairs or replacement even if you weren't at fault. The at-fault party's insurance company will eventually reimburse you for the deductible amount.
Bankrate.com suggests using your own insurance company to handle your claim even if you weren't at fault. Your insurance company will seek reimbursement for damages from the at-fault party.
