Handling a claim with your auto insurance carrier can be a daunting prospect at the outset, but with some basic knowledge, you should be able to get through the process smoothly.
One of the first things to do is to report the accident to the appropriate parties. First, report it to the police immediately. Ignore anyone that discourages this because getting police there early will help to diminish the validity of any questionable claims at the outset, and will serve to nail down liability. The next call you should make will be to your insurance company. Do not delay here, as your failure to notify them could place your coverage in jeopardy. Most policies have reporting requirements and if you do not meet them, you could find that the insurance company may deny your claim.
If you are injured and have Personal Injury Protection coverage on your policy, you will want to make your insurer aware of the injury right away. Written notice is most often required to the insurance company and they will often provide the forms you need when you call the claim in. Do not delay in getting the forms completed and mailed. Your policy may provide direct payments to your health care providers, or may reimburse you directly for bills. In some cases, the law will require that health care providers bill on a fee schedule in accordance with motor vehicle laws, so it is important that your hospital is aware that you are being treated for injuries from an automobile accident.
If you have physical damage coverage on your car, you will want to make a claim under this section of your policy to get repairs made. If the car is a total, or is stolen, you will be entitled to receive the amount equal to the market value of the car. If it is damaged, the insurer will pay to repair the vehicle. In either case, your deductible will be subtracted from your settlement. Towing and recovery costs are included. If you paid for the rental reimbursement, the company will pay for a rental car while yours is repaired. Your insurer will often be held to time limitations to respond to your claim.
Remember that if an accident was not your fault, you have the option of pursuing a claim directly against the responsible party’s insurer. This however requires that they accept your version of the accident, and that they see your point of view as to liability. This means that they would agree that their insured was 100% liable for the accident. Persuading them of this may sometimes be an uphill battle and this may be a good reason to pursue a claim under your own insurance policy. Your own company can then pursue the responsible party’s insurance company to recover any amounts that they paid you.