The Claims Process After An Auto Accident Is Supposed To Be Simple

Category: Finance.

As if being in an accident or having your car stolen weren t bad enough, ] nothing cranks up your stress level like dealing with an obstinate insurer.

You make a claim, an adjuster estimates the repair costs and the insurance company cuts you a check to cover the repairs. The claims process after an auto accident is supposed to be simple. Unfortunately, the process isn t always so simple for many of the millions of people who file claims each year. You don t know what will be significant later. Here are some things you can do to get claims settled as fast and as smoothly as possible: Jot down the setting, weather and other, time aspects of the environment. Keeping a disposable camera in your auto, so you can take photos of the accident scene, is an excellent idea.

Acquire and maintain a copy of the police report for yourself as well. If a camera is not available, you can make a rough drawing of damage to vehicles and property, and describe any apparent injuries and other pertinent facts. Promptly contact your insurer. Be sure to also report in writing to make sure that your rights are protected under law. The insurance company could negate your policy if you don t. Verify your policy- identify what coverage you have and don t have so you know what you can claim. Verify the deadlines as well.

Talk with your agent beforehand about the claims process and what information the company may need. Some policies have time limits for each step of the claims process. First, have a police officer visit the scene and file a police report. If your auto is stolen, your initial response should be similar to any auto accident. Try to have your license plate number and VIN( Vehicle Identification Number) for the police. Then notify your car insurance company right away.

If the Registration is stolen along with the car, try to obtain a duplicate from the Transport Authorities without delay. Auto insurance claims for stolen vehicles always take longer to process, because the police are given a reasonable amount of time to locate the stolen car. If the car is not traced after a realistic period, get a report from the police to that effect. Stay in touch with the police regarding the development of the investigation. If the vehicle is traced, tell the company immediately. With certain insurers you can track your claim s status online.

Be sure and watch your claim: Obtain your claim number and call the company or claims adjuster periodically for status. Sometimes writing a letter to the adjuster or a supervisor can get things moving, if you feel they are delayed. Double check your policy for rental coverage to have transport while waiting. Be persistent, but not insufferable. If the mishap wasn t your fault, you can get a rental auto while your car is being repaired, paid for by the other driver s insurance company. If your car was stolen and you have comprehensive insurance, your insurer will probably award you a specific amount each day for a rental.

If the accident was your fault, you need to have rental reimbursement coverage. These tips can help you get through the claims process and back on the road faster.

Read more...

Don T Forget That We Re Talking Unsecured Loans For Tenants And Tenant Loans Here - Finance Articles:

When it comes down to it, we ve probably all got a secret wish for something extra in our lives.

Fees Are In Addition To The Finance Charge That You Will Have To Pay - Finance Articles:

Whether you are shopping for a new credit card or wondering about the one that you may already have, knowing how to calculate the finance charge applied to that card is important.

How Do You Obtain A Good Mortgage Loan With Bad Credit - Ila Harelson's Finance blog:

How do you obtain a good mortgage loan with bad credit? And more often than not, the reply we obtain is not the reply we want to hear.