Auto Insurance Claims

I can think of no reason for filing an auto insurance claim that is not associated with an unpleasant event like an accident. Similar to other unpleasant experiences in your life, Filing an insurance claim will probably be an event you will soon want to forget. This section is meant to take you through the typical process of filing a claim so you will be better educated and/or at least have this page to access in case that dreaded day comes. The claim process can be broken up into 4 distinct categories; The Accident, Filing an insurance Claim, Choosing a Body Shop, and The Appraisal. We will run through these four categories in detail and help you gain the knowledge needed to deal with the overall process of filing a claim.

The auto accident

The very thought gives me the chills. The only hope here is that, other than the car, everyone else is OK. Here are the steps to take if you have been involved in an auto accident. First, try to have a police officer complete an accident report. After the fact stories tend to change, lights tend to change, etc. Secondly, GET WITNESSES. This is very important to the insurance company. Third party witnesses do more to substantiate your claim than anything else. Third, Don't try to settle with someone at the scene of an accident. You have no idea what the damage is, or will cost, so don't let make any snap decisions. If it is their fault, your insurance may not be affected. If your car is not driveable after the accident, be careful who tows your car. In most cases, you can request your own tow service. Either way, get the name, phone number, and address of the tow service.

The accident report form found on the following page is a great item to keep in your car. It will help you to gather the information that your insurance company will need.
Accident report form.

Filing an insurance claim

Here comes the fun part. When you take the policy out the insurance companies seem to be very generous with your money. When you have a claim, they tend not to be so generous with their own. Here are a few basic rules to follow to insure you have a better experience than others in the same predicament. First, report the claim as soon as possible. If you have damaged your car or someone else's, be assured the problem is not going to go away. Insurance Company's are not fond of surprises, especially old ones. Also, do it while all the facts are fresh and you have not lost that scrap of paper that you wrote everything down on. If you have an Accident Report and are not sure of the other persons Insurance Company, the police can identify the company from the Insurance Code. Secondly, send all correspondence to the insurance company via Certified mail and Return Receipt Requested. Many companies are notorious for not receiving information that was sent. Also, absolutely make copies of everything for yourself. If the Insurance Company sends you forms to complete do it in a timely manner. Third, keep well documented records of your discussions with the insurance company. Make sure from the beginning that you write down everyone's name that you speak with. Chances are you will be transferred to every corner of the Claim Department. Include in this list the dates and even times that your calls and attempted calls were made. If you are not getting-anywhere with the Claim Representative demand to speak to his/hers supervisor. If that doesn't work, try your state insurance department. Lastly, and we hope it doesn't come to this, if someone damages your car and you have no recourse with their Insurance Company then you can take them to Small Claims Court. The process is simpler than you think. Go to your local Town Court and they can give you the details. The filing costs and damage thresholds vary by state. The court proceedings are usually informal and get resolved in a timely fashion.

Choosing a collision shop

The next step involves choosing the right body shop. Take your time on this one. The right choice can make a real difference. Not just for you, but for your car too. Every year, cars can change dramatically and all body shops don't have the same experience. Here are some things you should remember when considering a body shop to handle your repairs. First, in most states, you can choose where your car is repaired. Don't let the insurance company demand that you use a particular body shop unless you agree to it. Second, ask friends, neighbors, mechanics, and appraisers who they think are the best body shops in town. Normally a referral is a great way to go. Third, don't assume that the body shop owner is there to rip you off. If he/she has been referred to you, chances are he/she does good work and is respected. Fourth, take a look at the shop. A good body shop should have a paint booth, a frame machine, a clean work area, and an owner willing to show you around. Fifth, to avoid getting ripped off, do not ask the shop to cover any part of your deductible. Just don't do it. Obtain an itemized estimate or appraisal of the work to be done. If you are concerned with the body shop you are using, ask to have the replaced parts. Sixth, stop by unannounced to see how things are going.

The insurance appraisal

The appraisal is the dollar figure used to pay for the repairs to your vehicle. Here are several considerations to keep in mind when dealing with the appraiser. First, know whether the appraiser works independently or for the insurance company. See if he/she has a license. Ask if he/she has received any appraisal training-IICAR training. Second, It is probably best to have the appraiser view the damage at the body shop where a body shop professional can point out damage that the appraiser may not see. Third, have extra copies of your bills and body shop estimates, make the car accessible, and don't interrupt the appraiser during the inspection. Fourth, get a business card form the appraiser AND get a copy of the appraisal. At this point you should be well on you're way to getting this bad experience behind you. We hope that you have found this section informative and feel free to look around http://www.insurance4usa.com for additional resources. Thank you for your interest.

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