How
to
File
an Insurance Claim -
Prepare - What to do Before You File
a Claim
You may need to answer these questions so
be prepared-
- How
much liability insurance do you have? This coverage pays
for damage you cause to another vehicle or injuries to other
people.
- Does
your state have no-fault insurance? What coverages does
it provide?
- What
is the deductible for your collision and/or comprehensive
coverage?
Take Action! - What To Do When You File a Claim
- If
your car is involved in an accident
- If
your car is damaged by fire,
- If
your car is damaged by flood, or by vandalism,
- Or
if your car is stolen.
Here are the steps to filing an insurance
claim:
1. Telephone your car insurance
company.
Do this
as soon as possible, no matter where you are, even if you
are not at fault. Ask your company how to proceed and what
forms or documents will need to support your claim, this could
include-
- Medical
Bills
- Auto
Repair Bills
- A copy
of the police report.
2. Give Insurance company
the information it needs.
Written notice of the accident or loss usually
needs to be given to your insurance company as soon as it
is reasonably possible.
The notice should have:
- Your
Name
- The
names and addresses of all persons involved
- The
hour, date, place and facts of the accident or loss, and
- The
names and addresses of any witnesses
Keep in mind that if you are sued in relation
to any accident, it is usually your insurance company who
will represent you in court. So cooperate with your insurance
company with any investigation of an accident, and provide
it copies of any papers you have in relation to the accident.
3. Keep records of all of
your expenses related to the accident.
Expenses you incur as a result or in relation
to an automobile accident may be reimbursed under your policy.
You may even be able to recover lost wages or at least part
of your costs if you have to hire a temporary housekeeper.
4. Keep copies of all of
your paperwork.
Store copies of all your paperwork in your
own files. You may need to refer to them later.
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