Filing A Usaa Auto Insurance Claim: A Step-By-Step Guide

The United Services Automobile Association (USAA) is a major player in the car insurance market, providing insurance to nearly 13 million people nationwide, including members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families. If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident and need to file a claim with USAA, there are a few ways to initiate the process. You can file a claim online through their website, use the USAA mobile app, or call their claims phone number at 1-800-531-USAA (8722). It is recommended that you report any car accident to your insurance company and file a police report, especially if there are injuries or property damage involved. When filing a claim with USAA, be prepared to provide basic contact information and specific details about the accident, such as when and where it occurred, and information about the vehicles, drivers, and passengers involved. Keep in mind that negotiating with USAA may not always be straightforward, as they may employ tactics to limit claim payments and delay the process. Seeking legal assistance can be helpful in navigating the claims process and ensuring you receive fair compensation.

When to file a claim with USAA

USAA recommends that you file a claim if:

• Someone was injured in the accident.
• You caused minimal or serious damage to someone else's vehicle or property.
• You caused damage to a municipality's property, such as a guardrail, telephone pole, or street sign.

You may not want to file a claim if:

• You caused minimal damage to your own vehicle or property, and the cost of repairs is less than your deductible.
• You don't plan on fixing your vehicle.
• You want to pay for the repairs yourself.
• You don't want to fix your vehicle, and it's not owned by any other party, lease, or finance company.

It's important to note that USAA requires car insurance claims to be filed within 72 hours of the accident, and you should always report an accident to your insurance company as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours.

If you're unsure whether to file a claim with USAA or the other driver's insurance company, consider the following:

File a claim with USAA if:

• You want to use a USAA-preferred shop for repairs.
• You're willing to pay your deductible now and have USAA handle your claim. If an investigation finds you're not at fault, they will refund your deductible.
• You want to get an estimate to determine if you want to proceed with the claim.

File a claim with the other driver's insurance company if:

• You're not at fault, and you don't want to pay your deductible.
• You need the other company to provide a rental car.
• You're sure the other insurance company or person will accept full responsibility.

How to file a claim with USAA

Filing a claim with USAA can be done online or by calling 1-800-531-USAA. However, before filing a claim, it is important to be prepared and understand your policy's limits. USAA is known for its commitment to members of the Armed Services and their families, and it is one of the major players in the car insurance market.

If you are involved in a car accident, the first step is to file a claim with either your insurance company, the other driver's insurance company, or not at all. It is recommended to file a claim if someone was hurt or there was damage to a vehicle or property. If you are not at fault, you can choose to file a claim with the other driver's insurance company, especially if you need them to cover the cost of a rental car.

When filing a claim with USAA, you can do so online or through their mobile app. You will need to provide basic details of the incident, including when and where it happened, as well as specific information about the vehicles, drivers, and insurance information for all parties involved. Filing a claim through these methods is quick and convenient, and a claims representative will be assigned to your case automatically.

It is important to note that you are not obligated to give an official statement when you first file a claim. Official statements are recorded, and it is advisable to seek legal advice before providing one. Additionally, be cautious of the tricks adjusters may use to limit claim payments, such as gaining your trust and asking for recorded statements.

USAA is known to be slow in processing claims, and they may use various tactics to stall or deny your claim. They may request documents and then ask for the same documents again to delay the process. They may also use a computer program to evaluate claims, which can result in low settlement offers. Therefore, it is recommended to consult with an attorney who has experience dealing with USAA auto claims to ensure you receive a fair settlement.

What to do if USAA wrongly blames you for an accident

If USAA wrongly blames you for an accident, you do not have to accept fault for crashes you didn't cause. There are several options for pushing back:

• Conduct follow-up investigations
• Retain expert witnesses to help uncover new evidence and/or provide clarity on existing evidence
• Discover additional liable parties who were not previously identified as at fault
• Fight back and challenge wrongful fault determinations

Consult a lawyer as soon as possible if you think you've been wrongfully blamed for an auto accident. Claims representatives are skilled at finding loopholes and leveraging ambiguous evidence. An attorney can help level the playing field and give you a better chance of recovering damages.

USAA is known to be slow in processing claims, and the process can be somewhat difficult. The company uses outsourced companies to process some of its claims, and customers have reported being switched from an external to an internal adjuster (or vice-versa) midway through the process. This can slow down the process and make it more confusing. USAA also has specific requirements for medical bill records, and will reject a claim until it is properly coded.

To file a claim with USAA, you can either file online or call 1-800-531-USAA.

How to deal with USAA adjusters

Dealing with USAA adjusters can be a challenging process. Here are some tips on how to navigate it:

• Understand your policy's limits and the claims process: Familiarize yourself with the terms and conditions of your USAA auto insurance policy, including any deductibles or coverage limits. Knowing your rights and responsibilities will help you effectively navigate the claims process.
• Seek legal assistance: Consider consulting a car accident attorney, especially if you have a high-value policy or if you are facing challenges in dealing with USAA. An experienced lawyer can guide you through the process, protect your rights, and help you seek fair compensation.
• Be prepared for negotiations: USAA adjusters may employ various tactics to stall or deny your claim. Be prepared to negotiate and provide supporting evidence to strengthen your case.
• Document everything: Keep detailed records of all interactions with USAA, including phone calls, emails, and voicemails. Take notes during conversations and keep track of the dates, times, and content of your communications.
• Stay persistent: Don't be discouraged if you don't receive a prompt response from your assigned adjuster. Continue to follow up and use multiple channels of communication, such as phone calls, emails, and social media, to increase the chances of getting a response.
• Seek alternative assistance: If you are unable to reach your adjuster or are facing significant delays, consider contacting their manager or a different adjuster for assistance. You can also utilise USAA's online resources, such as the mobile app or website, to initiate or track your claim.
• Be cautious with your statements: Remember that any official statements you provide to USAA can be used against you. Before giving an official statement, ensure you are calm, collected, and have a clear understanding of the accident specifics. Consider consulting an attorney before providing any recorded statements.
• Handle medical bill records carefully: USAA has specific requirements for medical bill records. Ensure that your bills are coded correctly to avoid delays or rejections.
• Be mindful of deadlines: Keep track of important deadlines, such as the time limit for filing a claim or providing certain documentation. Stay proactive to ensure you don't miss any critical dates.
• Stay organised: The claims process can be complex, so it's essential to stay organised. Gather and securely store all relevant documents, such as police reports, medical records, repair estimates, and other supporting evidence.
• Seek support: Dealing with insurance adjusters can be stressful. Reach out to friends, family, or support groups if you need emotional support during this challenging time.

When to hire a lawyer

USAA is a major player in the car insurance market in the United States. The company offers insurance to military service members and their families. While USAA is a well-respected company, it is not a true non-profit organisation. Like any other corporation, it does everything in its power to earn money and not give you the settlement check you deserve. Negotiating with USAA can be challenging, as they will try to pay victims less than the full settlement amount for their claim.

• You have a large or complex case: If your case is likely to be time-consuming and complex, a lawyer can help you navigate the process and ensure you receive a fair settlement.
• You are unsure of the legal jargon and technicalities: An attorney can help you understand the legal jargon and technicalities in your insurance policy that may affect your claim.
• You have serious injuries: If you have sustained serious injuries in an accident, a lawyer can help you understand the severity of your injuries and what future treatments you may need. This is important to ensure your settlement covers all your medical expenses and lost earnings.
• You are dealing with a delay in your claim: USAA has a history of using delay tactics to stall the claims process. If you are experiencing unnecessary delays, a lawyer can help expedite the process and prevent further delays.
• You receive a low settlement offer: USAA often makes low settlement offers, hoping that claimants will accept them out of desperation. A lawyer can help you evaluate the fairness of the settlement offer and negotiate for a higher amount if needed.
• You are being blamed for the accident: USAA may try to claim that their insured was not entirely at fault for the accident, even if there is evidence to the contrary. A lawyer can help you gather evidence and build a strong case to prove liability.
• You are experiencing bullying or coercion: USAA adjusters are known for their tactics to gain your trust and convince you to accept a lowball offer. A lawyer can provide support and guidance to help you stand up to these bullying tactics.
• You want to file a bad faith insurance claim: If you believe USAA is acting in bad faith and not upholding its end of the contract, a skilled attorney can guide you through the process of filing a bad faith insurance claim.

Remember, it is always safer to hire an attorney when dealing with insurance claims, especially with a company like USAA that may try to take advantage of unrepresented claimants. A lawyer can help you maximise your settlement, protect your rights, and ensure you receive fair compensation for your losses.

Frequently asked questions