Understanding the Claims Process

Sooner or later,  most car owners will be involved in an accident, theft, or some other from of vadalism. It is best that the car owner knows what to do when filing or making a claim from his or her insurance. Insurance companies need to undertake mandatory steps for validating claims on insurance.

 

At the scene of the accident or theft

Right after the accident or the discovery of the theft, call the police who will investigate the incident and make a report. Call 911 so that injured persons will be attended to immediately. Talk to the other party and get details of the other party's insurance coverage, the driver, and the involved car. Get copies of the driver's license and his or her car registration and insurance papers. Contact your insurance agent.

Documents that need to be submitted

Important documents include police report, incident reports (from the points of view of each party), hospital records and receipts (for injuries sustained and treatments made), insurance policies of both parties, drivers' licenses, cars' registration papers, and repair cost estimates.

Next steps

The insurance agent will facilitate the submission and negotiation with the insurance company. The insurance company will then send an adjuster and appraiser, and if necessary, an investigator. The parties should be willing to cooperate when disclosing any facts and details that need to be clarified. The claimant should be willing to negotiate and compromise because usually, the settlement cost as offered by the insurance company does not agree with his or her perception of the compensation that he or she needs to get for the damages. In the event that no agreement is made, the policyholder has the recourse of seeking legal advice and action.