Tips for Filing an Auto Insurance Claim

Having an auto accident can be one of the most stressful events. Filing an auto insurance claim does not have to be a dreaded event. If you know what you are doing then it makes the job easier to do.  The goal with any auto insurance claim is to get the auto insurance claim settlement as soon as possible so you can put the accident behind you and get back to life.

There are a few key tips that can help you to get your auto insurance claim payment quickly. The tips below is a handy guide to making sure that your claim is paid quickly.

Tip # 1 

Once you are safe, exchange information with the other driver.  In some states that police are not needed if the damages are under a certain threshold but you should always get the other drivers information.  You will want to make sure you get pertinent information like:
• Name
• Address
• Insurance information
• Plate number
• Phone number

Tip # 2 

File your auto insurance claim as soon as possible.  After you and the other driver have exchanged information and you are in a safe place call your insurer to let them know that you have had an accident. Provide as much detail as possible about the circumstances including if any citations were issued.

Tip # 3 

DO NOT make any repairs to the vehicle until you have spoken to the insurance adjuster and had the vehicle inspected for estimates. In some cases the insurance adjuster will make suggestions about which shop to take your vehicle too in other cases the insurance adjuster will come to wherever the car is and just hand you an auto insurance claim payment for the damages that they will cover.  Insurance companies have access to information about the cost of parts and labor that it will take to get your auto in good running condition again and will base the auto insurance claim settlement based on that information.

Tip # 4 

In most cases you can go to any body shop to have your repairs done once you have received your auto insurance claim payment but you may decide that using a shop that the insurance adjuster recommends may be the easiest way to do things.

Tip # 5 

Be patient! Most auto insurance companies will settle auto insurance claims quickly but if there is a question about liability or there are other extenuating circumstances involved then you may have to wait a little longer than you like.

Some other advice includes keeping your documents in order and in the car with you at all times so that if you need to call the insurance carrier you will have your information handy.  In some states it is not necessary to get law enforcement involved when there is minimal property damaged involved but if you are not sure you should check with your carrier.

Always be sure to get all the information that is needed from the other driver to protect yourself. Following the tips listed here can easily cut down on the time it takes to get your auto insurance claim payment.