Car accidents are traumatic experiences for everyone involved, and it is common for those involved to feel flustered, anxious, and disoriented. However, if you are able, it is critical that you take certain steps immediately following a car accident. Even if it wasn’t your fault, even if you have great insurance, and even if you’re going to be late for an important appointment, you should handle any car accident situation with care and attention.Following an auto accident, stay calm, call the police, remain at the scene in a safe location, take photos, and exchange information with the other driver if possible. Although car accidents can be traumatic, filing a claim should not be. If you need to file a car insurance claim, follow these steps:
1.Call your insurance company to let them know about the accident right away: Whether you file your car insurance claim over the phone, online, via a mobile app, or with an agent, your insurer will almost certainly ask for the following information – accident location, date, and time; Everyone involved in the accident’s name, address, phone number, and insurance policy number; The weather situation; Images of the damaged vehicle(s); If applicable, copies of police and/or accident reports.
2. Talk to the police about the accident: If you have damage from a car accident, make sure to call the police, as an official police report will most likely be required to file a claim for car insurance.Police are crucial in determining who is at fault. Never admit or accuse any other driver of fault while they’re on the scene — the police and your insurance company will ultimately decide who’s to blame. It’s even possible that you and the other driver are both to blame for the accident.If possible, obtain the badge number and phone number of the officers who respond; this information will be useful if you need to contact them later for additional information.
3. Evaluate the coverages and deductible options in your policy: Knowing how you’re covered is critical and can help you set realistic expectations for your claim for car insurance. For example, if you have rental car reimbursement coverage, you might be able to get a rental car while your car is being repaired. The amount of your policy’s deductible represents how much you pay out of pocket on a covered claim, whereas your coverage limits represent the maximum dollar limit your insurer could pay out in a given category. Furthermore, loan/lease payoff coverage (also known as “gap insurance”) can cover the difference if you owe more on the vehicle than it’s worth, up to the limits of your policy.
4. Speak with your insurance adjuster: Your insurance company will assign one or more adjusters to investigate your claim for car insurance. The insurance adjuster will usually contact you within one to three days of filing the claim. Your adjuster schedules an inspection, evaluates the damage to your vehicle, and/or handles any personal injury claims. An adjuster could also examine police reports and interview witnesses to the accident.Depending on your insurance provider, you may be required to obtain an estimate for the cost of your vehicle’s repairs, which the repair shop will share with your insurer. Based on the information provided by your adjuster and the repair shop, your insurer will make an assessment.
5. Repair or replace your car: You have the option of selecting which shop handles your vehicle’s repairs. If your claim for car insurance is approved, your insurer will pay you or the repair shop, minus your deductible. If your car is irreparably damaged, your insurer will pay you and/or your lender the value of the vehicle, less your deductible.Our dedication to you and your family ensures that we are the most affordable option for all of your car insurance needs. If you have any questions about filing a car insurance claim, you can contact CAI car insurance right away.
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