Insurance Claims

Steps to Take Before Contacting Auto Insurance and Filing a Claim

Getting into an auto accident is no fun. With the heart racing and nerves on end, it becomes difficult to remember exactly what to do and what types of information to collect before contacting the auto insurance and filing an auto claim.

Tips for Being Prepared for an Auto Accident

Though drivers may not get into an auto accident or find a fallen tree crushing their auto every day, they should still take the following measures to be prepared should they find their car damaged:

• Keep an auto insurance information card in both the glove compartment and your wallet.
• Keep a copy of the Auto Accident Hot Sheet Checklist below in the glove compartment.
• Keep two pens and a pad of paper in the glove compartment.
• Call the police if necessary to determine fault.
• Document everything.

Getting in an auto accident or finding a tree on one’s auto is no fun. That’s why learning about auto insurance claims, how to file an auto claim, and how to be prepared for that day is important so the driver knows exactly what steps to take.

Auto Accident Hot Sheet Checklist: Steps to Take in the Event of an Auto Accident

1. Take a Moment to Calm Down. When the accident has just occurred, sit for a minute or so and take a couple of deep breaths.
2. Determine Damage and/or Injuries. Calmly step out of the car to inspect for damage and/or injuries. If it appears that injuries may require medical attention, call 911 immediately.
3. Determine Location. Look up at the street signs and determine the location of the auto accident. Write down the location and the nearest major intersection.
4. Obtain Auto Insurance and Contact Information. After inspecting the auto for damage and ensuring all parties are uninjured, exchange auto insurance and personal contact information.
5. Collect Vehicle Information. Write down the make and model of the car. Also write down the license plate number and vehicle identification number (VIN) located on the bottom of the driver’s side windshield.
6. Do Not Discuss Auto Accident. Unless the auto accident is minor or fault is obvious, avoid discussing fault with the other driver. Discussions regarding the auto accident should be kept between the driver and the auto insurance, or the driver and police officer if the police are called to the scene.
7. Contact the Police. Unless the accident is minor, it may be a good idea to contact the police. A police officer will arrive on the scene of the auto accident, hear both sides, and file a legal accident report. This accident report could come in handy for determination of fault at a later date.
8. Take Pictures. Using a mobile phone or digital camera, snap pictures of the auto accident scene from various angles. This could help determine fault at a later date, and could aid in the auto claims process.
9. File Auto Insurance Claim. As soon as possible, contact auto insurance to file a claim. Typically this is done by phone. The driver can even file the claim at the scene of the accident; and if a police officer is present, the officer can speak to the auto insurance agent as well and clarify if necessary.

Drivers are supposed to feel safe in their cars, so it’s a major shock to hear the dreaded “thud,” the crumple of metal, and to see their car smoking. That’s why it’s important to be prepared so the driver knows exactly what steps to take in the unfortunate case of an auto accident.

What Is an Auto Insurance Claim?

An auto insurance claim is a communication between driver and auto insurance that damage to the driver’s vehicle has occurred, typically as the result of an auto accident. However, an auto accident isn’t the only scenario where the driver files a claim with his or her auto insurance company.

Auto damage via natural disasters, theft, cracked windshields, hail damage, fallen trees, struck animals, and vandalism are also instances in which the driver must contact his or her auto insurance to file a claim.

How is an Auto Insurance Claim Filed?

An auto insurance claim is usually filed by contacting the driver’s auto insurance by phone. However, some auto insurance companies allow drivers to file auto claims on the web, depending on the nature and complexity of the claim.

Essentially the steps to filing an auto insurance claim are as follows:

1. Determine whether to file a claim. Auto insurance keeps a record of claims and accidents and it may affect the driver’s auto insurance rates regardless of fault. If the damage is minor or can be easily and cheaply repaired, contacting auto insurance to file a claim may be financially disadvantageous.
2. Exchange auto insurance information and personal contact info with the other driver.
3. Call the police. If there is a dispute as to who is at fault in the auto accident, call the police and state the location of the accident. A police officer will arrive on the scene of the auto accident, hear both sides, and file a legal accident report.
4. File the auto insurance claim. Whether or not the accident is the fault of the driver, the auto insurance company should be notified immediately that an accident has taken place. This way, the auto insurance can help the driver through the claims process.
5. Document the auto accident. Although the claim has been filed with the driver’s auto insurance company, it’s a very good idea to document the auto accident in detail. This way, the driver is prepared should the other party’s car insurance company contact the driver to corroborate the details of the auto accident.

What should you expect to pay?