How to Deal With Insurance Companies After an Accident
Having a car accident is not one of our happiest moments in life. However, our auto insurance is intended to provide us with some assistance so we don't have to deal with all of the stress and financial loss ourselves. But sometimes dealing with insurance companies isn't as easy as we might hope. To prevent snags in the process, follow these steps after your accident.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Insurance card
- Agent's phone number
- Other driver's information
- Police report
Instructions
-
-
1
At the scene of the accident, you and the other driver need to exchange contact and insurance information. This is standard procedure following an accident. If the other person does not have insurance, you still need to write down their contact information plus their license plate number and a description of the vehicle.
-
2
Contact the police and wait for them to arrive at the scene of the accident. Do not move the vehicles unless they are blocking traffic. If possible, take photographs before moving the cars so you'll have evidence to help the police determine fault.
-
-
3
Ask the police for a copy of the filed report or, at least, the number of the report, which will be requested by your insurance agent. If you do receive a copy, make a copy for your records before you send one to your insurance agent.
-
4
Contact your insurance agent as soon as you can. Most insurance agents have a 24-hour telephone number for filing claims. Depending on your agent, this number may or may not be toll-free. Some insurance companies also let you file a claim online. If yours does not have these features, plan to call first thing in the morning. You want to provide the information about the accident while it is still fresh in your mind. Plus, you can be sure the other driver will be telling his or her side to an agent.
-
5
Provide all of the information requested by your agent, including the other driver's details. Do not be tempted to alter the story to cover up for anything you may have done to contribute to the accident. Hiding anything could end up causing your claim to be denied, and that could leave you with a lot of unpaid bills.
-
6
Take your vehicle to a repair shop for an estimate or wait for the adjuster to examine your car. If you are getting estimates, go to more than one repair shop. You should also gather evidence for any other financial losses you have incurred, including missed work and medical bills.
-
7
Wait for the insurance companies to do their job. The agents representing you and the other driver will communicate and will resolve the issue. If you are satisfied with the offer, accept it. If not, you have the right to refuse the settlement and to pursue financial compensation through the court system.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Keep a notebook and pen in your car so you can write down the other driver's information and quickly take notes about the accident as soon as possible. Have a disposable camera in your car so you can take photos easily.
Keep your insurance information in your car. If you do not have it with you, you could be fined.
References
More Like This
Comments
-
My insurance company Has been thinking for 7 days about what kind of insurance I had taken out after my kid got hit in the rear end and the other people ran I only had insurance for 2 days now there checking on what kind of insurance which we had comprehension insurance which I added deer and getting hit by uninsured person now were out a vehicle and still nothing from them. what's the world coming to when your own insurance isn't for sure what to do not even going after the other driver and the other owner of the van seems wrong that the politicians would allow them to this what if it was there family.
