Steps To Take After Filing An Auto Insurance Claim

Filing an auto insurance claim can be a stressful process, but knowing what to do after can help ease the strain. Once you've filed a claim, your insurance company will likely get in touch to request more information about the incident. They may ask for a recorded statement, and you may also be contacted by the other driver's insurance company. It's important to be wary of what you share, as too much information could impact the outcome of your claim. You should also be aware of the time limits for filing and settling claims, as well as submitting additional information, as these can vary by state. To support your claim, you'll need to provide a proof of claim form and a copy of the police report. Your insurance company will then provide an estimate for repairs, and once you've approved this, your vehicle can be sent for repair.

Gather information at the scene

Gathering information at the scene of an accident is crucial for filing an insurance claim. Here are some detailed steps to guide you through the process:

Prioritize your safety: The first step is to ensure your safety and that of your passengers. Move to a safe location, if possible, especially if you are on a busy or high-speed road. Stay inside your vehicle and dial 911 to wait for the police if necessary.

Exchange information with other drivers: Obtain the names, addresses, telephone numbers, and driver's license numbers of all drivers involved. Ask to see their driver's licenses and vehicle registrations to verify the information. Exchange insurance information, which can be found on your insurance ID card. Many insurance companies provide a car accident checklist on their mobile apps or as a printable document to keep in your glove compartment.

Document the accident: Use your cell phone to take photographs of the damage to all vehicles involved, including your own. Capture images of road conditions, such as ice, rain, or snow, and any other factors that may have contributed to the accident, such as nearby intersections and road signs. Additionally, take pictures of the other drivers' insurance ID cards. Make sure your phone date stamps and records the time the photos were taken.

Gather witness information: Note the names, phone numbers, and addresses of any witnesses present at the scene. Witness testimonies can be crucial in determining fault and providing additional details about the accident.

Obtain police officer information: If the police respond to the accident scene, make sure to get the name and badge number of the responding officer. You can also request a copy of the police report, which will provide valuable documentation for your insurance claim.

Contact your insurance company: Notify your insurance agent or company immediately after the accident, even if you are not sure whether to file a claim. Many insurers allow you to file a claim through their mobile app or by calling their customer support. They will guide you through the next steps and let you know what information or documentation they require.

Remember, each state may have specific requirements and procedures for gathering information at the scene of an accident. It is always a good idea to review your insurance policy and understand your coverage before an incident occurs.

Contact your insurance company

Contacting your insurance company is one of the most important steps in the claims process. It is recommended to call your insurer before leaving the scene of the accident, but only after ensuring your safety, talking to the police, and exchanging information with the other driver(s). Many insurance companies allow you to file a claim online or via a mobile app, but speaking to a live person can ensure you are doing everything correctly.

When contacting your insurance company, you will likely be connected with a claims specialist or adjuster, who will work with you through the car insurance claim process. They will answer any questions you have and guide you through getting compensated for any damages up to your policy limits. If the other driver is at fault, the adjuster will typically represent you in dealings with that driver's insurance company.

It is important to note that deadlines for filing vehicle damage claims are typically around 30 days, so be sure to submit your claim within your insurer's time limit. If you have medical payments or an uninsured motorist claim, you must provide documentation of your loss, including injuries, medical expenses, and lost wages. If the insurance company does not contact you within a reasonable amount of time, follow up with your agent or insurance company for assistance.

Speak with a claims specialist

After you've filed an auto insurance claim, the insurance agent will assign your case to a claims specialist or adjuster. This person will be your point of contact throughout the claims process and will guide you through getting compensated for any damages up to your policy limits.

A claims specialist will answer any questions you have and clarify anything you're unsure about. They will also determine the level of damage to your vehicle, including if it's been totaled, and whether you're eligible for diminished value claims. They may go and see your car themselves to assess and photograph the damage, or they may rely on photos and reports from the repair facility.

If the other driver is at fault, the adjuster will usually represent you in any dealings with that driver's insurance company. They will also help you understand your coverage and your policy limits.

It's important to provide the claims specialist with any information they request, and to fill out any forms carefully and accurately. Keep thorough and organized records of anything related to the claim, including the names and phone numbers of everyone you speak to at your insurer, as well as any bills related to the accident.

Assess the damage

After filing an auto insurance claim, you will be assigned a claims specialist or adjuster who will determine the level of damage to your vehicle. They will decide whether your car is totaled and assess the cost of repairs. You may be surprised at how little damage it takes for your car to be considered a write-off, especially if it is an older model.

The claims specialist may visit your car to assess and photograph the damage, or they may rely on photos and reports from a repair facility to determine the level of damage. They will also consider whether you have any insurance add-ons, such as new car replacement coverage or gap insurance, which may affect the payout you receive.

You may also be eligible for a diminished value claim, which accounts for the reduction in your car's resale value due to its accident history. Your claims specialist will be able to advise you on whether you are eligible for this type of claim.

Once the claims specialist has assessed the damage, they will provide you with an estimate for the repairs. It is important to note that you do not have to accept this estimate and can choose your own repair facility, although this may result in a longer process and additional costs.

If your vehicle is deemed a total loss, the insurance company will typically pay you the actual cash value of the vehicle, taking into account factors such as its age, mileage, and condition before the accident.

Remember to keep detailed records of all communications and documentation related to your claim, as this will help ensure a smoother process and enable you to dispute any decisions or amounts if needed.

Obtain a repair estimate

After your claims specialist has assessed your vehicle and determined that it is not a write-off, you will receive a repair estimate from your insurer. This will outline the costs of repairing your vehicle.

It is important to note that some insurers have preferred repair vendors, and while using these repair shops may expedite the process, you are not obliged to use them. You have the right to choose any repair facility that you like.

Most insurance experts advise against approving any repairs until you have received the company's estimate. This is to ensure that the cost of repairs can be covered by the amount approved by your insurer.

If you have rental car coverage, your insurer may be able to provide a rental vehicle while your car is being repaired.

If you are unsatisfied with the repair estimate, you can request a second opinion from another repair facility. It is within your rights to obtain multiple estimates to ensure you are getting a fair deal.

Remember to carefully review all paperwork and estimates from the repair shop to protect yourself from potential fraud. Some dishonest repair facilities may employ illegal or questionable techniques to inflate the final cost of repairs.

Once you are satisfied with the final estimate and have authorized the repairs, your chosen repair facility will be able to begin restoring your vehicle.

Frequently asked questions