When you buy a car, you have to do automobile insurance on it so that in case of any accident you can get coverage for any type of damage.
If there is any accident you should know how you will claim for your damage. So know everything in details, how you can claim your automobile insurance.
What to do for filing insurance claim
To get compensation for the loss incurred in an auto accident, you need to under the following steps:
1.Understand your policy before the accident: When you’re doing automobile insurance with a company, you should understand all the terms and conditions and what type of coverages they are offering. You should also know the detailed process of filing a claim, if an accident occurs.
2.Exchange personal information: If you meet with an accident then note down the other driver’s name, address, phone number, insurance information and license number. If he wants, you should also provide him with your personal information.
3.Identify witness: If there is any witness when the accident occurred, get their names, addresses and phone numbers. This may come useful if their account of the accident is needed during the processing of the claim.
4.Have medical treatment: If there is any injury do not neglect it. You can either go to a nearby hospital for immediate treatment or call 911 if the injury is life threatening.
5.Report the accident: You should immediately file the accident report with the local law enforcement officials and ask them to have the accident report prepared.
6.Notify your insurer: You should immediately notify your insurance company about the accident and the damage incurred. If the accident occurred due to the other driver’s fault, his insurance company will review the accident report and will give you compensation for the repair and replacement of your car. If you get insurance compensation from the other driver’s company, you don’t have to file for claim with your insurer and you don’t have to pay a deductible.
7.Agree to have an evaluation on your damage: You should allow the insurance company to evaluate the damage and estimate the cost towards repairing and replacement. When they are evaluating, you should also be present there so that no damage will get overlooked.
8.Do not release your insurance company in a hurry: Until and unless you are completely satisfied with the settlement for your damage, do not release the insurance company. In case of bodily injury you can demand money for the treatment. In case of damage to your car, the insurance company should pay for the repair and replacement of your car.
If you follow the steps mentioned above in filing your automobile insurance claim, you will get compensation for the damage of your car.
Thank you Martha for the guest post!
