A Step-by-Step Guide to Your Auto Insurance Claim
An auto accident can happen quickly, but dealing with the aftermath may take considerably longer. Between vehicle damage, exchanging information, reporting the accident, speaking with an adjuster, and arranging repairs, it’s understandable to have questions about what happens next.
While every claim is different, understanding the general auto insurance claim process can make an unfamiliar situation easier to navigate.
Step 1: Take Care of Immediate Concerns
Before thinking about insurance, focus on safety. After an accident, circumstances permitting, move to a safe location and determine whether anyone needs medical assistance. Contact the appropriate emergency authorities when necessary.
If possible, document the scene before leaving. Useful information may include photographs of the vehicles and surrounding area, the other driver’s information, witness information, and details about where and when the accident occurred.
Step 2: Report the Claim
Notify the appropriate insurance company. When reporting a claim, you may be asked for the date and location, vehicles and drivers involved, a description of what happened, whether anyone was injured, and whether law enforcement responded.
Provide the information you know and avoid guessing about facts you’re unsure of. Once you file the claim, you will typically receive a claim number and information about next steps.
Step 3: Work With the Claims Adjuster
An insurance adjuster may be assigned to investigate and manage the claim. Depending on the circumstances, the adjuster may speak with involved parties, review photographs and reports, inspect the vehicle, review repair estimates, and gather other information.
Keep your claim number and adjuster’s contact information somewhere convenient.
Step 4: Determine How the Vehicle Damage Will Be Evaluated
The insurance company will determine the extent of the vehicle damage and the appropriate settlement under the applicable policy. This could involve an inspection, photographs, estimates from a repair facility, or other methods.
Severe damage may lead to a total-loss determination according to applicable insurance practices, policy provisions, and state requirements.
Step 5: Liability May Need to Be Investigated
For accidents involving multiple vehicles, determining responsibility may be an important part of the claim. Liability isn’t always clear right away, and you may need more information before a determination can be made.
Provide an accurate description of what happened and allow the insurance company to investigate.
Step 6: Understand Your Deductible and Coverage
How much the insurance company pays depends on the policy, type of loss, applicable coverage, deductibles, claim investigation, and other circumstances.
Understanding your insurance before an accident occurs can be valuable.
Step 7: Complete the Repair or Settlement Process
For a relatively straightforward covered claim, the process may ultimately result in repairs being completed and payment being issued according to the policy and claim determination. Claims involving injuries or multiple parties may take longer.
Keep relevant receipts, correspondence, estimates, and other claim documents until the matter has been resolved.
Preparation Can Make an Auto Claim Easier
Nobody plans to have an accident. Focus on safety, document what happened when possible, report the claim promptly, keep your claim information organized, cooperate with the adjuster’s requests, and ask questions when you don’t understand something.
Most importantly, don’t wait until an accident occurs to learn what’s on your auto insurance policy.
Have Questions?
Oberryman Insurance Agency can help you review your auto insurance coverage before a claim occurs and explain your options. If you live in Northern Virginia or elsewhere in Virginia, Maryland, or Washington, D.C., contact Oberryman Insurance Agency to discuss your auto insurance needs or request a coverage review.
Insurance coverage, claim eligibility, limits, deductibles, exclusions, claim handling, and settlement decisions vary by insurance company, policy, state, and individual circumstances. The applicable insurance company investigates and determines claims according to the policy terms and the circumstances of the loss. This article is provided for general informational purposes and is not intended to guarantee coverage or a particular claim outcome.
