AUTO INSURANCE ARTICLE

Getting Fair Coverage For a Claim After You Are in an Accident

By: mindif

When you are in an accident it is important to file a claim immediately with your car insurance company. After all, this is the primary reason you have purchased the insurance; to be covered in case of an accident. Your insurance company will ask for your basic information, your account of the accident and if a police report has been filed. They will obtain this report and then send an adjuster out to assess the damages. You should remain in contact with your carrier throughout the process to ensure it is going smoothly. They will then write up a description of the damages and an estimate will be provided. If you feel this is a fair assessment than the claim will be settled and repairs will be made.

In some cases though, you may feel the estimate is not fair or accurate. What is the next step in disputing this?

Ensure that your claim was filed within the time frame set up by your insurance company. Usually this is within 24 hours of the accident. Most insurance companies have someone available 24 hours a day.
Remember as many details as possible about the accident, write down the incident as soon as possible with details (street names, make model of other vehicle), take photos and talk to witnesses.
Fill out the claim form as accurately as possible including the amount you believe the claim is worth.
Include any documentation available to support your claim including: medical bills, police report and any estimates you have obtained.

Contact your carrier to find out where this information needs to be sent and the time frame it will take to review and make a decision. Be sure to know your policy as well. What coverage you do have and how it applies to the specific accident you were just in. Were you at fault? Was the other driver at fault? Were there injuries? Was it an accident caused by nature or theft? What is your deductible?

When you first purchased your insurance you chose coverage that would best suit your needs and it now comes into effect since you have had an accident. You may have chosen basic coverage due to lower costs and this may affect how your claim is paid. You may only be covered for certain items. It is important to be aware of this.

Follow up on your claim. If you are disputing the claim attempt to negotiate and it may be possible to come to an agreement with your insurance carrier that is acceptable to both of you in order to repair your vehicle and satisfy the claim.