How to File an Insurance Claim After a Car Accident
Being in a car accident could potentially be one of the most stressful events you face. However, if both parties appear uninjured at the scene, most of the difficult aspects to deal with happen after the accident. If you’re in an accident and able to leave your car, the first step is to get to safety. Once you’re in a safe spot, you need to call the police to file a report. If your vehicle sustained damage, the next step is to start gathering information for your insurance claim. Here are the steps you need to take to file an insurance claim.
Exchange Information
Right after you call the police to report the accident, you should exchange information with the other party involved in the accident. Get their contact information, insurance details, license plate number, and the make and model of their vehicle. Keep in mind that, even if you feel fine now, when the whiplash wears off, you may discover that you’re injured. So never say words like “I’m fine” or “I’m sorry,” even if you’re clearly at fault.
Call the Insurance Company
The next step is getting in touch with your insurance provider. Make sure to do this as soon as you’re able. You will be stressed out, so you may miss steps trying to send in everything on your own. Ask your insurance company for help filing a claim, and provide them with the documents they need as soon as possible.
Document the Accident
Take as many photos as you can of the scene of the accident. These are what you will use to make your case for a claim. If part of the scene would benefit from a short video, consider a video recording as well. The more evidence you have, the better you can back up your claim.
Prepare to Follow Up
Once you submit the photos, video and any other necessary documentation, it’s in your insurance company’s hands. You may need to follow up on the progress of the insurance claim. Typically, they don’t happen overnight, but in some cases, they can take much longer than seems necessary. You may need to advocate for yourself to get the full coverage you’re entitled to receive.
Being involved in a car accident is stressful, and you may not know what to do. We hope this guide to filing an insurance claim helps if you are in an accident.
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