7 Steps to an Auto Insurance Claim

Accidents happen to almost everyone, sooner or later. Even the best driver could end up exchanging driver's licenses and insurance cards with another person at some point. When you need to file a claim for car insurance, following these seven steps will make filing your claim much smoother.

1. Understand your policy before a loss. Carefully read your insurance policy when you receive it. Call your agent if you have any questions about what is or isn't covered.

2. After an accident, make sure everyone is alright. If anyone needs medical attention, that is your first priority. Even minor injuries should be checked out by a doctor. Some minor injuries can turn out to have long-term consequences. And some injuries don't show up right away.

3. Get the other driver's name, address, telephone number, insurance carrier, and insurer's telephone number, and give them yours. Always have your driver's license and proof of insurance card with you whenever you drive.

4. Identify any witnesses to the accident and ask them for their names and telephone numbers in case their account is needed.

5. File an accident report and contact the local police department to be sure an accident report is filed. If no police officer is on the scene, accident report forms and instructions are available from all police departments, sheriff's offices, the local Department of Motor Vehicles, or the DMV Web site.

6. Contact your insurance company and let them know about the accident as soon as you can. An insurance adjuster will review the accident report and determine who is at fault for the accident. If the accident wasn't your fault, you can work with either your own insurance company or the other person's insurance company to cover the repair or replacement of your vehicle. If you work directly with the other company, no claim will appear on your record and you will not have to pay a deductible.

7. Don't release insurers too soon. Don't relieve your insurance company of their responsibility until all damages are settled to your satisfaction. If your company is handling the claim, the other company may question your negligence or offer a settlement that is too low. Before accepting a settlement, the factors should be considered:
• Bodily Injuries: You are entitled to money for injuries caused by the liable party. Some injuries don't show up for a few days.
• Damages: The company is responsible for the reasonable repair costs for your vehicle. Insurance companies and body shops usually negotiate about repairs and repair costs. You have the right to get an appraisal from a different shop if you're not happy with the arrangement.
• Appraisal Clause: Most car insurance policies have an appraisal clause to help settle disputes about damage to your vehicle (it only applies to claims you file with your own company). If you can't come to an agreement, the appraisal clause allows for an independent third party to resolve the dispute. Check your policy or ask your agent for more information about the appraisal clause.

Nobody wants to have to file an auto insurance claim, but these steps will make the process much simpler.