Even amazing drivers have accidents, and it is helpful to know what to expect during the insurance claim process after an accident occurs. Please note that every insurance company handles claims differently. The tips below merely aim to give an overview of what to expect.
Understand Your Policy Requirements
When you call your insurer, you will want to be sure to ask questions about your policy to understand the key points of your policy and how it works. This will help you through the upcoming claim process.
When you purchased your insurance policy, you selected specific coverages and deductibles. Make sure you know how much your deductible is – this is the amount you will pay out-of-pocket for any accident-related expenses prior to your insurance policy kicking in.
You also may have selected rental car reimbursement options when you purchased your policy. Be sure to talk to your insurance company about whether a rental car is covered for your use after the accident. If you do have rental coverage, be sure to ask what your coverage limit is, as it is important to know whether you have a rental vehicle available to you for a week or a month.
You will also want to be sure to talk to your insurer about any accident-related timelines and time limits. You may only have a certain amount of time to make a claim or submit a bill, and it is important to know these deadlines from the beginning.
Work with your Insurance Adjuster
Insurance companies are in the business of providing you with protection from covered losses. Your insurance company will assign an insurance adjuster to your claim. This individual investigates the accident, determines who is at fault, and recommends how much the insurer will pay for damages to the vehicles involved.
It is important to work with your adjuster during this process; insurance claims do not need to cause any stress if you are patient and willing to work with your adjuster. Answer questions honestly and thoroughly. Send the requested information and documentation as soon as you are able. Return calls if you miss them. Make sure that when you speak with your adjuster, you have given the adjuster your undivided attention.
Your adjuster is your best resource for getting the claim taken care of fairly, efficiently, and with the least amount of stress involved. Your adjuster is there to help you, allow him (or her) to assist you through the process!
Ask Questions
Your policy, your insurer, your accident, and your adjuster are different from everyone else’s; be sure to ask questions to ensure that you are getting the coverage your policy provides. Your insurance was purchased and is in place to assist you when an accident occurs, let your insurance company help you through the process and determine the coverage of the accident.
Here at Farmer Curtis, LLP, we understand coverage. Let us help you through the process to ensure your coverage is working for you!