When you’re involved in a car accident or your car is vandalized, you may feel scared, confused and uncertain. Whether you were hurt or your car suffered significant vandalization damage, you have a lot to deal with in the aftermath of your experience.
One critical part of moving through this process is filing an auto insurance claim. This protects you in case things get testy and ensures you get the money you deserve for your accident. Read on to learn more about filing this claim.
When to File an Auto Insurance Claim
Before you contact your insurance agency, you need to report your accident to the police, who will write a report. This unbiased version of events could be critical to your claim. Next, you should document anything you can about the incident. Take pictures, write down everything you remember, and talk to any witnesses.
You should file the auto insurance claim as soon as possible after taking those first two steps. Keep your insurance information with you in the car at all times, and even call from the site of the incident if you can. In some cases, your vehicle may not be capable of driving, and your insurance agent can arrange towing service.
How to File a Car Insurance Claim
As soon as you call your insurance office, the claim process has begun. They will set up a claim file for you and ask you questions about the accident or vandalism. Give specific details and answer all the questions honestly. Other steps in the process will include:
- Meeting with the claims adjuster, who will look at your car and estimate the damages — they can also help you find a garage to do the repairs
- Finding a rental car, if your insurance covers it, for the time that your vehicle is in the shop
- Reviewing personal injury claims
- Answering any questions you have along the way
Once the adjuster has done all their research, they will tell you what the insurance company will pay for and specify the work to be done. Remember that your insurance company is working on your behalf, and you should stick with the repairs they approve.
Should I File an Auto Insurance Claim?
Of course, not every case warrants an auto insurance claim. You may choose not to file the claim if the price of the repair is less than your deductible. Say, for instance, you back out of your driveway too quickly and knock down your own mailbox. The only person involved in the incident is you, and there’s likely little damage to your car. But in nearly every case — especially when another driver is involved — you should report the incident to your insurer, so they have a full record.
Still feel nervous about the auto insurance claim process or unsure if you should file a claim? Contact Strock Insurance to walk you through it. We have helped many clients in Camp Hill, Lebanon and surrounding areas with their claims, and we can do the same for you. Get in touch by giving us a call, contacting us through our online form or requesting a quote.
