How to Settle Your Auto Insurance Claim Faster

An auto insurance claim can become very frustrating when you have no vehicle and you feel like the auto insurance company is dragging their feet. It is true that not all people will feel the same sense of urgency that you do about your auto insurance claim, but there are ways to help them feel your pain. The tips listed below will help you deal with your auto insurance company and should be used with the knowledge that your auto insurance company has the right to collect all information necessary before making a decision on your claim.

First, make sure that when you file your claim with your auto insurance company or the company for the other individual that you have talked to the liability claims adjuster and/or the damage adjuster. Some insurance companies split these responsibilities and they are rarely the same person you spoke to when you filed the claim. Get their contact information when you do file the claim and call them as soon as possible. Many claims are delayed because people simply don't know who to call.

If you do not receive an answer to your voice message within 24 hours it is time to escalate your call to the adjuster's supervisor. Almost every auto insurance company has a 24 hour call back requirement and if the adjuster does not comply their supervisor would want to know about it. Don't threaten the adjuster or the supervisor as this will only cause lost time in argument, just provide information about your situation and give a sense of urgency.

Once you have provided your statement to the adjuster that will be making the decision on your claim ask them what else they need to make their decision. If the adjuster mentions a police report you should offer to go get the report yourself and email or fax it to them. Many people are under the impression that an insurance company is required to get the report and not themselves. This is not true, an insurance company is under no obligation to obtain the report, though not considering it would hurt if they are to go to court in the case.

Companies that do use police reports usually obtain them through a third, independent party so it usually takes more time than the public. If you can get the report and send it to them it will only make your claim go faster. The larger the auto insurance company is the more rules they will have in place to protect you, just make sure you are providing the information necessary and you should have a quick and happy resolution to your claim.