Uncovering Auto Accident Insurance Claims: A Comprehensive Guide

If you've been in a car accident, you'll need to file a claim with your insurance company. This will involve providing details about the accident, including the date, time, location, and any damages or injuries sustained. It's important to gather as much information as possible at the scene of the accident, such as the other driver's insurance and contact information, and take photos of the scene. You should also notify the police, as their report will be a key factor in assessing your claim. After filing a claim, an insurance adjuster will be assigned to investigate your case and determine fault. It's recommended to file a claim as soon as possible, as there may be time limits for submitting claims and gathering information. You can also request your claims history report to check for any errors or omissions that may impact your insurance rates.

How to check your auto insurance claims history

There are a few ways to check your auto insurance claims history. Firstly, you can ask your existing auto insurance provider for details of any claims you've made in the past. This information could include the date of any claims, the type of claims, how much was paid out, and details of any injuries.

Secondly, you can contact the Claims and Underwriting Exchange (CUE). This is a central database that holds records of every incident reported to insurance companies – even those that don't lead to a claim. Most car, home, and travel insurance providers submit information to CUE, which typically stores details of insurance claims for six years.

Thirdly, you can request a letter of experience from your previous or current insurer, which shows detailed information about your policy. This will include the names of the insured on the policy, the current status of the policy, the policy's start and end dates, all claims made against the policy, claim details, any fault determination, and any injuries claimed. A letter of experience must be printed on the company's letterhead and signed by an authorized representative to be considered valid.

Finally, if you don't want to contact your insurance company, you can get your claims history by ordering a C.L.U.E. report from LexisNexis. This is a document about claims information, generated by the consumer reporting agency LexisNexis. CLUE reports typically contain up to seven years of claims history for auto and home insurance policies. Requesting a copy of your CLUE report won't hurt your credit score, and you're entitled to one free copy every 12 months.

What to do immediately after a car accident

Being in a car accident can be a distressing experience. Here are some steps to follow immediately after a car accident to protect yourself and your interests:

• Stop and protect the scene: It is illegal to drive away from the scene of an accident, even a minor one. You can prevent further accidents by setting up flares or turning on your hazard lights. If it is dark and your lights don't work, use a flashlight to stay safe while you wait in your disabled car or by the side of the road.
• Call the police: It is a good idea to call the police, even if there are no serious injuries. You may need a police report to file a claim with your insurance company, even if it is just for damage to your vehicle. If the vehicles involved are drivable, move them out of the way of traffic and wait for the police to arrive.
• Make an accurate record: When the police arrive, tell the investigating officer(s) exactly what happened to the best of your ability. Do not speculate, guess, or misstate any facts. If you are unsure about something, tell the officer that you are not sure. Often, injuries from motor vehicle accidents become apparent hours after the collision. Make sure that any statements made by other people involved in the accident are accurate as well.
• Take pictures: If possible, take pictures of the vehicles if there is visible damage and of any visible injuries. Do not interfere with the ongoing police investigation. If you cannot take pictures at the scene of the accident, take them as soon as possible after the accident.
• Exchange information: Typically, the investigating police officer will obtain this information. However, if the police do not respond to the accident, obtain the name, address, and telephone number of all persons involved in the accident, including drivers and passengers. Also, obtain information about insurance by asking to see the insurance card for all vehicles involved. If there are witnesses, get their contact information as well. If police respond to the accident, the investigating officer usually will provide all drivers with a police report number, which you can use to obtain the police report later.
• Report the accident to your insurance company: Notify your insurance company as soon as possible. Many policies require immediate reporting and full cooperation. Find out if you have medical benefits as part of your insurance coverage. This type of coverage is known as "medpay," and you should use it if you have it. In fact, if you have medpay coverage, you are required to submit your accident-related medical bills to your insurance company. Medpay benefits are available to all occupants of the vehicle, and your insurance rates should not increase as a result of submitting claims for medpay coverage.
• Seek medical attention: Injuries caused by motor vehicle accidents are often not immediately apparent. Unless you are absolutely certain you were not injured, seek medical attention at your local emergency room or by seeing your family physician. Even in accidents involving minor impacts, you can sustain serious and permanent injuries to your spinal cord. If you lost consciousness or were dazed for even a short period following the collision, you may have suffered a concussion or closed head injury, which can cause cognitive and behavioral changes if left untreated.

How to file a claim with your insurance company

If you've been in a car accident, you may need to file a claim with your insurance company. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do this:

Step 1: Gather Information at the Scene of the Accident

If possible, exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver and call the police to get a police report. Take photos of the damage to all vehicles involved, as well as the accident scene. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses, and look out for traffic or security cameras that may have recorded the accident.

Step 2: Contact Your Insurance Company

Check your insurance coverage and policy details, either from your own records or via your insurance company's website. You will need your policy number to verify your coverage and deductibles. You can then start the process of filing your claim. If you have a dedicated insurance agent, they can help you with this. Otherwise, contact your insurance company's claims department, who will have a representative to guide you through the process. Many insurance companies also have online claim systems that allow you to file a claim at any time.

Step 3: Provide Necessary Information

When filing your claim, be prepared to provide the following information:

• Your name and contact information
• The year, make, and model of your vehicle
• The names and contact information of others involved
• Details about the accident, including the location, time, whether the police were called, any injuries, and if your car was towed
• Information from the police, such as case numbers and names of officers

Step 4: Follow Up

While filing online is often sufficient, it is a good idea to follow up your claim with a written notice sent by certified mail, requesting a return receipt. This provides you with proof of mailing and ensures your claim has been received.

Step 5: Cooperate with Your Claims Adjuster

A claims adjuster will be assigned to handle your accident. They will discuss the accident with relevant parties, review estimates for repairs, and work to get your claim settled. It is important to provide any information or documentation requested by your adjuster as soon as possible to expedite the claims process.

Additional Considerations:

• Timing: File your claim as soon as possible. Every state has different laws regarding claim deadlines, and delays in filing may result in missed opportunities for compensation.
• Claim Type: Understand the type of claim you are filing. A third-party claim is made against the other driver's insurance when they are at fault, while a first-party claim is made against your own insurance coverage.
• Rental Cars: If your vehicle is not safe to drive, inform the other driver's insurance company promptly so they can begin their claim process and provide you with alternative transportation or a rental car.
• Repair Shops: You have the right to choose the repair facility for your vehicle. The insurance company cannot require you to use a specific repair shop, although they may make recommendations.

Remember to stay calm and follow these steps to effectively file a claim with your insurance company following a car accident.

What to do if your auto claim is denied

If your auto claim has been denied, it's important to understand the reason for the denial before taking any further steps. Understanding the reason for the denial can help you navigate the situation and prepare your next steps. Here are some common reasons why auto claims are denied:

• The event does not meet the definition of a covered loss. Review your car insurance policy to understand what is considered a covered loss.
• There has been a violation of your contract. This could include having your car fixed before filing a claim.
• Your insurer suspects fraud. This could be because your explanation of the accident doesn't align with the insurance adjuster's findings, or the damage seems unrelated.
• An excluded driver was driving. If a driver has been excluded from your insurance policy but was driving during the accident, any claims for damage they caused could be denied.
• Lapsed insurance policy. If you fail to pay your insurance premium on time, your coverage may lapse, meaning you don't have an active policy to file a claim against.
• Lack of necessary coverage. For example, if you don't have uninsured motorist coverage and are in an accident with an uninsured driver, your claim could be denied.

If you feel that your auto claim has been unfairly denied, you have the right to appeal the insurance company's decision. Here are some steps you can take to appeal the denial:

• Submit additional evidence: If the denial letter states that you didn't provide enough evidence, provide as much additional evidence as possible. This could include a police report, pictures of the accident, repair estimates, or medical records and bills.
• Consider filing an appeal or requesting an appraisal: Follow the steps outlined in your insurance policy for filing an appeal or requesting an appraisal. Be sure to meet any applicable deadlines.
• Get help: Consider bringing in an outside party to help, such as filing a complaint with your state's insurance commissioner or hiring an independent claims adjuster or an experienced car accident attorney.

Keep in mind that the appeals process may vary depending on whether you filed a first-party or third-party claim. In the case of a third-party claim, you may also have the option to file a first-party claim with your own insurance company, depending on your coverage.

How to file a claim against the other driver

If you believe you are not at fault for the damage to your vehicle, you can choose to file a claim with the other driver's insurance company. Here are the steps to follow:

Gather Information:

• Stay calm, move your vehicle to a safe location, and call emergency services if anyone is injured.
• Get medical help immediately if needed and contact the police, even if the accident is minor.
• Exchange information with the other driver, including names, addresses, insurance policy numbers, and phone numbers.
• Take photos of the damage, the scene of the accident, skid marks, and any other relevant details. Avoid stepping into moving traffic to take pictures.
• Note the details of the accident, such as the order of events, location, and weather conditions.

File a Police Report:

• Depending on your state laws, the police may require you to file a report.
• Request a copy of the police report, as you may need it for your insurance claim. The police will usually determine who is at fault in the accident.

Contact Your Insurance Company:

Notify your insurance company about the accident, even if you weren't at fault. They can guide you through the process and work with the other driver's insurance company.

File a Third-Party Claim:

• If the other driver is found to be at fault, you can file a third-party claim with their insurance company. This allows you to use the other driver's liability insurance to cover damages or injuries caused by the accident.
• You can contact the other driver's insurance company directly or have your insurance company file the claim on your behalf.

Understand the Claim Process:

• The other driver's insurance company will likely investigate the accident to determine fault and assess the value of the damages.
• They may provide you with alternative transportation or a rental vehicle while your car is being repaired.
• If you disagree with their assessment of damages or their offer for settlement, you can negotiate or seek legal advice.

Remember, it is generally recommended to file a claim immediately after an accident. While it may be tempting to negotiate an out-of-pocket settlement, there could be unforeseen consequences, such as additional damage found or potential legal issues.

Frequently asked questions