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Filing Insurance Claims after an Accident

January 14th, 2010 cloud Comments

There are several tips to ensure that an insurance claim is filed properly. Not every accident warrants a claim so it is good to know the basics if an accident should ever occur.

When an accident happens and people are injured the police should be contacted. In addition, there are provincial limits that require the presence of the police. An example would be a $1,000 limit in Ontario.

To ensure that more damage does not occur the car or cars should be moved out of the way of traffic. Then all parties involved can start collecting information for the car insurance companies. That includes accident details, vehicle identification, names of all parties involved in the accident and the badges from the police officers and the emergency technicians. Pictures are also very helpful.

A driver-information exchange form can make the process a lot easier. The police officer or officers on site will have one available and it is a checklist that ensures that all information that in needed is obtained properly. Witnesses are also a part of this process and their info, like names and addresses, must be taken down too.

Both drivers must contact their insurance companies and file a claim. The sooner that the company is contacted the better. The longer that it takes it may become more difficult. Also all information must be disclosed and if not that can lead to more problems.

The next step is to get the cars repaired. Do not get any work done on the car unless the insurance company agrees to pay for the repairs needed to get the car up and running. Repairs have to be checked upon completion and again at home. A receipt must be obtained too so that if it is needed with the insurance claim. Supplemental repairs may also be required if more damage is found so make sure that the insurance company can handle that.

The auto insurance company can also help to start the repairs faster with shops in the area of where the claim will be filed. It makes it an easier process to take a car to a shop that has ties with the insurance company.

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Auto insurance claims

April 15th, 2009 cloud Comments

A car accident can be a terrifying event for anyone, even if no injuries. However, it is still necessary to take appropriate action after the collision to make filing claims auto insurance as simple as possible. The submission of claims for auto insurance may seem at first sight, demanding, but following the correct steps can ensure success.

Be sure to carry your insurance card with you at all times for easy access. This card contains the type of coverage you have and how long it runs, your car make, model and identification number, and after hours and emergency phone numbers. Call your auto insurance agent to inform the company of the occurrence as soon as possible.

Most insurance companies appeal some form of records or documentation to support your claim. Write the names and addresses of any witnesses involved or self-help at the time of the filing of insurance claims. Noting specific details such as weather, visibility and can also be helpful. And, of course, a copy of the police report is required, along with a claim form from the evidence supplied by the insurance company.

Once all information is given to the insurance company and the claim form is filled, you can basically just sit and wait to see what develops. If nothing more than a dispute between participants in the accident, you may receive a call from the other driver’s insurance company about your version of the collision, to support his case. Document the conversation and note the insurance agent you spoke with.

His case will be designated a claims adjuster, regardless of the condition of the car. The car will be taken to a body shop and the store will assess damage to the car. Then send a report to the insurance company with an estimate for repairs. After the assessment, the insurance company will determine retail value of the report. If repairs beyond 70 to 80 percent of the value of the car, it is all the insurance company.