How Do I Handle the Auto Insurance Claim When I Was Rear-Ended by Another Driver?
Car accidents occur every day, and many are simple fender benders where one driver failed to stop quickly enough and rear-ended the driver in front of him. If you have been in a rear-end collision where the other driver was at fault, repairing your car will go smoother if you take efficient notes and speak to both insurance companies in a prompt manner.
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Instructions
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Call the local police department at the scene of the accident.
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Speak to any witnesses and get their names and contact information to give to the insurance company, if necessary. Speak to the person who rear-ended you and get his name, driver's license number, make and model of his vehicle and the name and contact information for his insurance company.
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Request a police report or written statement from the police officer.
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Contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Give the representative as much information about the accident as you can. Even if the person who rear-ended you is at fault, your insurance company may need to cover some, or all, of the damages to your vehicle.
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Contact the other driver's insurance company and notify the representative that you have called your insurance company. Provide the representative with any information he requests.
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Keep written notes of everything you remember from the accident. You will need this information for the insurance claim, especially if your case goes to court.
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Give the other driver's insurance company as much detail as possible, using the written record, if you are called for a recorded statement.
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Set up an appointment to meet the adjuster. You will need to be present during the appointment.
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Take your vehicle to a mechanic approved by the other driver's insurance company and send the company an estimate for the repairs.
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Tips & Warnings
You can dispute the amount given to you for the damages with your insurance provider if you feel the amount is too low. Contact the insurance representative who is handling your request and ask for arbitration.
References
- Photo Credit car crash image by dawn from Fotolia.com
