8 Easy steps to file your auto accident claim

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Auto insurance companies have made the process of filing a claim quite simple over the years. Many of them even have a 24 hour calling number where you may call and make your claim. If your insurer is dependable, you should not have a problem filing a claim and getting the compensation in due time.

Take a look at the 8 easy steps to follow in order to file your auto insurance claim.

Know your policy: When you have to file an auto accident claim, make sure you know what you are covered for. If required go through your policy papers and educate yourself on the coverage that you have bought.
Contact your insurer: Call your auto coverage provider and inform them about the accident. If you have to make a claim, do not wait for long. Once you are sure as to why you need to file a claim, speak with your agent and file one. You can even call your auto coverage provider from the scene of the accident, if you are in a position to do so and if there is a 24 hour filing number.
Ideally you must file a claim within 20 days of the loss. Do not wait too long before filing a claim.
Fill out the claim form: Once your insurer receives your notice of claim, he is supposed to send you a claim form (according to the state auto insurance laws). Fill out this form with the necessary information and send it to the insurer to process your claim. Send a proof of loss along with the form. You may send the proof of loss within 90 days of the occurrence of the loss.
Provide information: When you file a claim, your insurer might ask for details of the accident. Make sure you have all information ready. If needed, write down such information so that you can immediately refer to them when making a claim. The following general information will be required:
- Name
- Address
- The policy number
- Home and work phone numbers
- Make and models of the cars
- Names of the drivers and passengers involved in the accident
- Name and insurance company of any other drivers involved
- Details about the accident
- Description of loss and injury
- Police Report Information
Be prepared to get a call from the other party's insurer: The other party injured may turn his/her claim to your coverage provider. So, be prepared for a call from the other party's insurer for a bodily injury or property injury liability claim.
Claim the other party's insurance: If an accident has not been your fault, you can turn your claim to the party at fault's insurance provider. Let them know what you will be claiming for.
Meet the adjuster: There should be an adjuster to assess the loss that you have suffered in an accident, after which, you must get the due compensation.
Ask Question: You may ask your agent certain questions to be clear about your policy and the claim that you are making. You may also ask questions like
- Is there a time limit for filing your auto accident claim?
- How long will the claim disputes take to resolve?
- How much time will you be granted if you need to submit additional documents/information?
- Do you need to submit a rough estimate of the cost of repairing your car?
- Will the cost of a rental car be covered by your policy if you happen to take one?
- How much time will it take to get your reimbursements?

In case you are not happy with the settlement that your insurance provider has offered you, ask them to form an arbitration to settle the dispute. The process may continue for at least 2-6 weeks but you may get the money instantly. However, if it is the other party's insurer who is compensating the loss and you are not satisfied with the amount, you may not have rights to contest the settlement.

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Posted: Tue Sep 20, 2005 8:31 am Post subject: How to file an accident claim !

How to file auto insurance claim? Auto insurance claims can be made in case you meet with an accident and need to settle the cost of repairing your car or getting medical treatment for yourself or for anyone else injured. There are easy steps to follow when going for auto insurance claim settlement. Take a look at the following: As soon as the accident takes place, call your insurance agent no matter whether the accident is minor or major. Find out if your policy covers you for the loss, regardless of who is at fault. Let your agent guide you as to how you should proceed with the claim procedure of your motor insurance. Let him tell you what forms or documents will be needed. You may need to fill up 'proof of claim' form and submit a copy of the police report if available. Give your insurer all the information that he requires. Keeping a good record will help in smooth settlement of your auto insurance claim. Keep a record of the names and contact numbers of all those you speak with along with copies of related bills. You may also ask your agent a few questions like Is there a time limit for filing your auto insurance claim? How long will the claim disputes take to resolve? How much time will you be granted if you need to submit additional documents/information? Do you need to submit a rough estimate of the cost of repairing your car? Will the cost of a rental car be covered by your policy if you happen to take one? How much time will it take to get your reimbursements? The following general information will be required while filing a claim Name Address The policy number Home and work phone numbers Make and models of the cars Names of the drivers and passengers involved in the accident Name and insurance company of any other drivers involved Details about the accident Description of loss and injury Police Report Information

evan
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evan

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Posted: Wed Aug 06, 2008 4:23 pm Post subject:

Nice information, thanks! _________________ Visit The Insurance Files for information on auto, health, life, homeowners and more! Click here for a free health insurance quote!

TheInsuranceFiles
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Posted: Thu Dec 24, 2009 5:17 pm Post subject: Accused

In a parkin g lot i was accused of nicking a car door as I got out/I did not do it and the ploice were called/the guy wanted his whole door repainted/his car is 10 yrs old _________________ Register Now to have your Insurance queries solved.

maeger
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Posted: Fri Dec 25, 2009 2:23 am Post subject:

Quote:

In a parkin g lot i was accused of nicking a car door as I got out/I did not do it and the ploice were called/the guy wanted his whole door repainted/his car is 10 yrs old
_________________

It would be kind of difficult to repaint part of his door, don't you think?

Trench
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Trench

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Posted: Sat Mar 27, 2010 12:29 pm Post subject: Fix my record and make landrover or the dealer that sold me

I had an accident on the expressway I was exiting and several cars pulled in front of me at the same time My car was stopping and all of the sudden it excelled my car is a 2003 Land rover it did 4500 in damage they didn't check anything mechanical they broke my achtray and said the took care of the recall problem I was never told there was a recall on this vehickle, but the accelorator sticks when you need to stop quickly exspecially when the car is at a higher speed. I was unaware of this until I just insured with progressive and they have a service that allows you to look at the recalls on all autos. but what gets me is that I just had to stop quickly recently and the car did the same thing that it did before when I had the accident I have had 2 rear end accidents with this car within one year, I had not had any accident that where my fault ever before. What can I do aboout the charges for my tickets and to sue landrover for my loses? I am so mad that they never let me know I would have fought for my rights in court i knew that somthing wasn't right when my car wouldnt stop but I just didn't know what it was. expecial _________________ Register Now to have your Insurance queries solved.

LaJaun Atkins
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Posted: Tue Jun 15, 2010 8:42 pm Post subject: can they cancel me

hello, here's my story i recently purchased a vehicle ,and shortly there after went to a local state farm dealer and purchased coverage on a fri, and i was given a temporary insurance card. the next night i was driving home and i was struck by a drunk driver ; immidiately after hitting my car he attempted to run but i managed to wave him down , but he ultimately fled once i called the police .. i waited and gave my story to the cops and they gave me a police report number .. the body on the drivers side of my car was pretty much damged on every panel .. so i called my insurance company and they were saying that my policy was not showing in their system cause it was new ... my question is this could they possibly wiggle their way out of paying by saying that my policy was not official yet ??? _________________ Register Now to have your Insurance queries solved.

bambino10473
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Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2011 8:16 pm Post subject: claim inquiry

I am an insurance representitive in tn and have a client that was involved in an incident with a drivetime insured. I have a policy number and would like to find out if a claim has been filed. How would I go about doing that? Thank you _________________ Register Now to have your Insurance queries solved.

terry smith
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Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2011 2:26 am Post subject: auto accident

Is there a time limit to file an auto accident? Do I need a rough estimate of the cost? Will I be peanalize for late reporting? What if I do not have the other party's insurance information? What if I did not involve the Police at the time of the accident? _________________ Register Now to have your Insurance queries solved.

mez
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8 Easy steps to file your auto accident claim