Understanding Auto Insurance Claims

Insurance companies and attorneys are not unlike in that they have horrible reputations and like to use big words frequently. These two things tend to work together and create a general feeling of dread when the situation arises where either is needed. One of the biggest hurdles for many who are involved in auto accidents to understand is how the auto liability investigation process works.

The process of a liability investigation begins with the filing of the claim itself with a customer service representative. Once the auto accident claim is filed it is then assigned to a liability adjuster that will decide who is at fault based on the evidence presented. This evidence will usually include recorded statements, police reports, photographs, etc. After collecting all of this information the adjuster then makes a liability decision.

When the liability adjuster feels that they have everything they need to make a judgment on the car accident they will file the decision and notify all parties involved. This decision cannot be based solely on the relationship of the driver with the company; it has to be backed by physical evidence or statements of how the auto accident occurred. Once the decision is made final an offer or denial is extended to the party not insured with the auto insurance company. If you are not being offered a settlement make sure you get a denial letter in writing, you might just need it.

This decision is made by the individual insurance company or adjuster based on the information that they have. However, based on the evidence two insurance companies can come up with two different decisions. When this occurs the companies can either work together to find a resolution, or take the case to an arbitration panel to come to a conclusion. This arbitration panel's decision is binding for both companies.

What is important for the individual to know about the auto insurance liability investigation process is that you have a huge role in it. Not only do you have the opportunity to give your statement of the events, but you can provide photographs, witnesses and the like. Don't resign yourself to the idea that you won't get a favorable decision because of something you said or did at the scene, that doesn't matter now. The more you cooperate with the process the better chance you have of getting a timely and accurate decision from the adjuster.