Implicated in a car mishap? Is your car damaged because it was hit by another? If you have an auto insurance policy it will rescue you from the situation. It depends on the terms, premium and benefits offered by the insurer. For this, it is important to know about insurance claim procedure so that you could file the the claim hassle free and the claim is settled in an appropriate way as soon as possible. You should be aware of things to be done following an accident. In this article, we will discuss the procedure to make an insurance claim. You need to take six steps.
Step 1 - Report to police before doing anything else
If you are claiming for auto insurance, first thing you should do following an accident is to report the incident to police. Most of the policies have time limit, so call police directly. Remember you will need a police report to file an insurance claim. Therefore, do it right away.
Step 2 – Exchange license plate numbers and contact information of the parties involved in auto accident
Note down the contact details: name, address, phone number and license number of the parties involved in the accident. Most states require to have insurance ID card, which provides vast information about the vehicle owner.
Step 3 – Gather all the documents
Having everything in hand will make the process flow smoothly and fast. You will need to have your insurance policy documents, reference number if you have filed a police complaint. Moreover, it is better to write down whatever has happened during the incident instead of relying on your memory.
Step 4 – Get everything in writing
Most insurance companies tend to believe the story told to them by those who file the claim. Therefore, it it better to write down everything whatever happened during the incident. When writing, try to be clear what actually had happened. See to it that you don't miss out any important information. Most important details include time and date, details of everyone involved, what you are claiming for – how much money you are expecting etc.
Step 5 – Look for witnesses
Look for any witness who are willing to tell what they saw at the accident scene. Note down their contact information as well.
Step 6 – Call your insurance company
Call your insurance company right from the scene. Your insurance ID card has the contact number. Be prepared to give all the information and details you worked out.
Step 1 - Report to police before doing anything else
If you are claiming for auto insurance, first thing you should do following an accident is to report the incident to police. Most of the policies have time limit, so call police directly. Remember you will need a police report to file an insurance claim. Therefore, do it right away.
Step 2 – Exchange license plate numbers and contact information of the parties involved in auto accident
Note down the contact details: name, address, phone number and license number of the parties involved in the accident. Most states require to have insurance ID card, which provides vast information about the vehicle owner.
Step 3 – Gather all the documents
Having everything in hand will make the process flow smoothly and fast. You will need to have your insurance policy documents, reference number if you have filed a police complaint. Moreover, it is better to write down whatever has happened during the incident instead of relying on your memory.
Step 4 – Get everything in writing
Most insurance companies tend to believe the story told to them by those who file the claim. Therefore, it it better to write down everything whatever happened during the incident. When writing, try to be clear what actually had happened. See to it that you don't miss out any important information. Most important details include time and date, details of everyone involved, what you are claiming for – how much money you are expecting etc.
Step 5 – Look for witnesses
Look for any witness who are willing to tell what they saw at the accident scene. Note down their contact information as well.
Step 6 – Call your insurance company
Call your insurance company right from the scene. Your insurance ID card has the contact number. Be prepared to give all the information and details you worked out.
