By Ty McDuffey, J.D. | Legally reviewed by Katrina Wilson, Esq. | Last reviewed August 18, 2023
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Filing a car insurance claim after a car accident can be overwhelming. Communication with your auto insurance company, dealing with an insurance adjuster, and understanding your insurance coverage might seem frightening. This article provides some helpful tips for handling a car insurance claim.
Understanding your insurance policy is a critical first step. Car insurance policies typically include liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage.
Your insurance coverage's extent determines what your insurance company will pay after an auto accident. For instance, collision coverage helps pay for your vehicle damage in an accident you caused. Comprehensive coverage can cover nonaccident-related incidents like vandalism.
Auto insurance policies also include coverage for bodily injury and property damage you cause to others. This liability insurance is crucial if you are at fault in an accident. Knowing your policy limits will help you comprehend your insurance company's potential payout.
Your insurance policy also might include medical payments coverage, paying medical expenses irrespective of who was at fault. Think of medical payments coverage as a small emergency fund. If you get into an accident, this fund can pay for your or your passengers' medical costs. For example, if you break your arm in an accident, the medical payments part of your insurance can help cover the cost of treating it, no matter who caused the accident.
In severe accidents, personal injury protection (PIP) could cover medical bills and even loss of income. PIP is like a stronger version of medical payments coverage. Not only does it cover your medical bills, but it can also help you pay for other costs while you're recovering. This could be things like your daily groceries or lost wages because you can't work for some time.
Right after a car accident, safety should be your priority. Once you've ensured everyone is safe, if you're healthy enough, gather all relevant contact information and insurance information from the other parties involved. This includes driver's license numbers, license plates, and phone numbers.
It's very important that you get medical help right away if you're not feeling well or if you've been hurt. The doctor will ensure you get the right treatment for your injuries.
This is important for your insurance claim because it creates a record of your injuries. This record from your doctor can be very useful when you file your insurance claim. It's proof of what happened and how serious it was.
In case of a hit-and-run, gather as much information as possible about the other vehicle. A police report is often necessary for an insurance claim. This report usually includes details of the accident and property damage and identifies the at-fault driver.
In addition, document the scene of the accident for your insurance claim. Photographs of the vehicle damage and the overall accident scene can be helpful.
Next, notify your insurance company about the car accident as soon as possible. An insurance adjuster will investigate the accident and assess the damage. Cooperate with the adjuster but remember to only stick to the facts.
In a fault-based state, the at-fault driver's insurance company generally covers the cost of repairs. If you cause a car accident in a fault state, you're considered the "at-fault driver." Your car insurance company has to pay for the damage caused by the accident.
This could include:
The at-fault driver's car insurance is responsible for covering these costs.
Even if you are not at fault, you may need to file a claim with your insurance company. This can happen when the at-fault driver's insurance company is slow to pay or in the case of a hit-and-run, an uninsured motorist, or an underinsured motorist.
Remember that if your car is in a repair shop, your auto insurance policy might cover the cost of a rental car. Also, ask your insurance agent about the deductible. This is the amount you will have to pay out of pocket before your insurance pays.
Why ask about the deductible? Knowing your deductible amount is important because it tells you how much money you will have to pay out of your pocket if an accident happens. If you know this amount, you can ensure you're prepared to cover that cost if you ever need to make an insurance claim.
If you are injured, keep track of your medical bills and other related medical expenses. You can file injury claims with the at-fault driver's insurance company, depending on your state law. Personal and bodily injury claims help you get reimbursement for medical expenses and pain and suffering.
If you're in a car accident and get hurt, these types of claims help you get reimbursed for your expenses. This could include doctor's visits, medication, physical therapy, and even surgery in serious cases. Through personal and bodily injury claims, your insurance can help cover the costs related to your injury and compensate you for the negative ways it has impacted your life.
The claims adjuster will eventually come up with a settlement offer based on your auto insurance policy's coverage and the nature of the accident. You can accept the offer or negotiate for a higher amount. If the negotiation becomes too complex, seek legal advice.
Also, remember your insurance rates could increase after you've filed a claim. It depends on the circumstances of the accident, your driving history, and your insurance company's policies.
If you're a good, careful driver and don't get into any accidents, your insurance company might reward you with lower insurance rates. This is because the company sees you as less likely to cause an accident that they would have to pay for.
But, if you get into an accident and file a claim, meaning you ask the insurance company to help cover the costs, they might see you as a riskier driver. This could cause your insurance rates to go up.
Understanding the auto insurance claims process is essential in securing compensation after an auto accident. Being proactive, organized, and patient can ease the process. It's always beneficial to familiarize yourself with:
Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws and insurance policy terms may vary by state and individual circumstances. Always consult with a qualified personal injury lawyer for any legal or insurance questions you may have.
Whether it's a typical car accident claim or a complex case involving hit-and-run or vandalism, understanding your insurance coverage, acting promptly, and being proactive in communicating with your insurance company can significantly ease the insurance claim process. Stay safe on the roads, and remember, car insurance is not just a legal requirement. It's also there to give you peace of mind.
Contact a qualified auto accident attorney to make sure your rights are protected.
Get tailored legal advice and ask a lawyer questions about your accident. Many attorneys offer free consultations.