It’s the reason that we all carry auto insurance – to have an insurance company compensate us when we suffer a loss. If you have been involved in a collision, your greatest desire is to move on with your life. You want your claim processed promptly and your car fixed quickly. Below are tips you can follow that can expedite the claim process and hopefully make it as hassle free as possible.
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Contact Your Insurance Company ASAP
You should do this at the earliest possible moment after an accident. Obviously, there will be more pressing matters to deal with first (like calling the police, dealing with any injured people at the scene), but after those issues are attended to, get in touch with your auto insurance company.
Fill Out A Claim Form
Your insurance company will supply you with this (many companies now offer these forms online). Be sure to fill it out thoroughly, and do not hold back any information. Enclose all relevant documents, including the police report, and name and contact info of any witnesses. If you are unsure what documents to include, ask for clarification from your insurance company.
Get An Estimate
The insurance company may insist that you get an estimate with a body shop that they normally work with. While there is nothing wrong with that request, do know that you have the right to refuse and can get an estimate at the body shop of your choice. Above all else, make sure that the estimate is complete before the insurance company issues you a check. If the amount of the check doesn’t match the cost of the repairs, there could be unnecessary delays. Make sure everyone (you, the body shop, and the insurance company) all agree on the price before repairs begin.
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Keep The Lines Of Communication Open With The Claims Adjuster
It’s important that you and the claims adjuster are on the same page. The more confusion there is, the more chance your settlement could be postponed. Be sure to get the adjuster’s direct phone number (do this when they first contact you). If you encounter difficulties or believe you are being treated unfairly, do not hesitate to contact your insurance company and the claims adjuster’s supervisor (if he or she has one).
Keep Copies Of Your Paperwork
Finally, after the process is finished, be sure to hang onto the paperwork. You may need to refer or produce it at a later time. In the end, we hope your claims process is an easy one. If you take careful notes at the scene of the accident, are completely truthful with your auto insurer, and include all relevant documents when you fill out the claim form, everything should go smoothly. Then you can back out on the open road.
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