Where To Claim: Liability Auto Insurance Explained

If you've been in a car accident, you may need to file an auto insurance claim to cover any damage or injury. The type of claim you file will depend on the circumstances of the accident and the insurance coverage you have. If the accident was your fault, you'll need to file a liability claim with your insurance company. If the accident was caused by another driver, you can file a third-party claim with their insurance company. In either case, you'll need to gather evidence and documentation to support your claim, including photos of the scene, vehicle details, and insurance information. It's important to understand your insurance coverage and follow the claims process outlined in your policy to ensure a smooth and timely resolution.

If you live in a no-fault state, you'll need to file a claim with your insurance company for injury coverage

If you live in a no-fault state, the process of filing a claim after a car accident is a little different. No-fault auto insurance laws mean that there's no need to determine who is at fault in order to receive an insurance payout for smaller injury claims. Instead, each party files a claim with their own insurance company, and personal injury protection (PIP) coverage is used for these claims.

Personal injury protection (PIP) insurance is usually coupled with no-fault laws and covers medical expenses from a car accident, regardless of who is at fault. However, no-fault laws don't eliminate the possibility of being sued, especially if serious injuries or death resulted from the accident.

In no-fault states, you always make injury claims with your own insurance company first. You can only sue another driver if you meet certain qualifications, which vary by state. In many cases, there needs to be serious injury or death before you can sue someone else for a car crash in a no-fault state. Property damage claims can usually still be made with the other person's liability insurance.

It's important to understand your insurance coverage and follow the claims process outlined in your policy. Your insurance company should provide a timely and clear explanation of their coverage decision and how they will pay your claim, and they should respond to your questions in a timely manner.

To file a claim, you'll need to gather relevant evidence and documentation, including photos, a written summary of the accident, and information about the other driver. You'll then call your insurance company to open a case and work with a claims adjuster to determine your settlement and payout. The adjuster will manage your case on behalf of the insurance company and take the necessary steps to settle your claim.

If the at-fault driver is uninsured, your uninsured motorist insurance will cover your injuries and property damage

If you've been in an accident where the at-fault driver is uninsured, your uninsured motorist insurance will cover your injuries and property damage. This type of insurance is designed to protect you financially in the event of an accident with an uninsured driver, and it is mandatory in many states. Even in states where it is not mandatory, it is highly recommended for all drivers, as it can provide valuable financial protection.

Uninsured motorist coverage typically includes two components: uninsured motorist bodily injury (UMBI) and uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD). UMBI covers medical bills for both you and your passengers, while UMPD covers damage to your vehicle. In some states, UMPD may also cover damage to other property, such as your fence or mailbox, if it is hit by an uninsured driver. It's important to note that UMPD may not be available in all states, and even if it is available, it may not cover hit-and-run accidents. In such cases, you would need collision coverage to repair damage to your vehicle.

When making a claim under your uninsured motorist coverage, it's important to follow the proper procedure. First, gather all the relevant evidence and documentation, including photos of the accident, a written summary of what happened, and information about the other driver. Then, contact your insurance company to initiate the claim and work with a claims adjuster to determine the value of the damage and the appropriate compensation. Be sure to provide as much information as possible to expedite the process.

Uninsured motorist coverage provides valuable financial protection in the event of an accident with an uninsured driver. It can help cover medical bills, vehicle repairs, and other expenses. If you live in a state where this coverage is not mandatory, consider adding it to your policy for added peace of mind.

If the at-fault driver's insurance company needs to investigate the accident, expect a delay in payment

If you've been in a car accident, you may be wondering how to go about claiming on your auto insurance. The process can be stressful and time-consuming, and if the at-fault driver's insurance company needs to investigate the accident, expect a delay in payment. Here's what you need to know about the investigation process and how it can impact your claim.

First of all, it's important to understand that insurance companies have a financial incentive to delay paying out claims. They make money by bringing in more in premiums than they pay out in claims, so they may employ various tactics to slow down the process. This includes requesting unnecessary additional information, not responding promptly to communications, and, indeed, delaying investigations.

Insurance companies are required by law to investigate claims, and this process can take anywhere from a few days to several months, depending on the complexity of the case. If there are multiple serious injuries, multiple drivers and vehicles involved, and questions about who was at fault, the investigation will likely take longer. During the investigation, the insurance company will gather evidence, including police reports, photos of the damage, and witness statements. They may also request your cellphone records and review your social media activity.

While the investigation is ongoing, you may not receive any payment from the insurance company. This can be frustrating, especially if you are dealing with injuries, lost income, and other challenges as a result of the accident. It's important to be as cooperative as possible during the investigation process, even if it feels intrusive. Failing to provide the requested information could result in your claim being denied or delayed further.

If you feel that the insurance company is unfairly delaying the investigation or acting in bad faith, you may want to consult with an attorney. An experienced lawyer can help you navigate the claims process and protect your rights. They can also advise you on whether it's worth taking legal action to get the compensation you deserve.

In summary, if the at-fault driver's insurance company needs to investigate your accident, expect a delay in payment. This is a normal part of the claims process, but it can be frustrating and stressful for those involved. Be prepared to provide the necessary information and, if needed, seek legal assistance to ensure your rights are protected.

If your vehicle is damaged or you are injured, you can file a claim with your insurance company

The first step is to notify your insurance company of the accident. You should also notify the police, especially if the accident resulted in injuries or significant vehicle damage. Exchange information with the other driver(s), including names, addresses, telephone numbers, and driver's license numbers. It is also important to obtain license plate(s) and vehicle identification numbers. If there are witnesses, be sure to get their names, addresses, and phone numbers as well.

If possible, take photographs of the damage to all vehicles involved, as well as the accident scene, including traffic controls and road conditions. These photos, along with a police report and witness contact information, will help support your claim.

Once you have filed a claim, your insurance company will likely contact you for additional information and may request a written or recorded statement. They may also need to inspect your vehicle to assess the damage. It is important to understand your insurance policy, including what is covered and what is not. Review your policy carefully and be aware of any deductibles or limitations.

If your vehicle is damaged and you have collision or comprehensive insurance coverage, you have the right to a prompt and fair settlement from your insurance company. They will either pay for the amount of the damages or the actual cash value of the car, whichever is lower. If your car is stolen, your insurer should cover the cost of towing and reasonable storage charges, as well as substitute transportation expenses.

Keep in mind that filing a claim may result in an increase in your insurance premiums. If the damage is minor and close to the cost of your deductible, it may be more cost-effective to pay for the repairs out of pocket.

If you believe another person is at fault, you may file a claim with their insurance company

The process for filing a claim is the same, regardless of whether you are claiming from your own insurance company or the other driver's. First, you should gather all the evidence and documentation related to the accident. This includes calling the police, recording the details of the incident, and taking steps to limit your liability. Take photos of any damage to your car and other vehicles involved, as well as any road conditions that may have contributed to the incident, such as ice, rain, or snow. It is also important to get the other driver's name, phone number, license plate, vehicle make and model, insurance company, and policy number.

Once you have gathered all the necessary information, you can call the other driver's insurance company to initiate a claim under their liability insurance. Explain the nature of the accident and the claim, including the total amount of compensation you are requesting, and provide as much information as possible. The insurance company will then review the material and assign you a claims adjuster, who will determine the value of the damage and the appropriate compensation based on the policy. The claims adjuster will manage your case on behalf of the insurance company and take the necessary steps to settle your claim.

It is important to note that the other person's insurer will need to investigate the accident to determine that their customer was at fault. This may take some time, and you should not expect a quick payment. Additionally, if you live in a no-fault state, you may need to make injury claims on your own insurance first, regardless of who was at fault.

Frequently asked questions