How To Submit A Claim To Your Car Insurance Company
When your vehicle is involved in an accident, whether the fault is another driver or your own, you will have to submit a car insurance claim to your insurance company. It is against the law to operate your vehicle without insurance and you should be familiar with your policy. Understanding your coverage limits, types of coverage, and deductibles is very important.
While deciding which insurance company to go with always be sure to find the company that gives you the most coverage you desire for the lowest price. Do not jump into bed with any agency before comparing prices, a process that can be very easy using online sits from Geico or Progressive. When you need to submit a claim you will find that one company will always be easier to work with than another. And, keep in mind, if you have cheap insurance it doesnat always mean you are a savvy shopper. Most of the time it probably means youare only getting what you paid for.
When you do become involved in an accident, contact your insurance company immediately. Make sure they have all your information correct. Donat implicate yourself as the cause of the accident while on the phone with your insurance representative, this is for a police officer to decide. While on the phone, make sure to make a note of all the instructions you are given. Also make note of any case # you may be given.
Insurance companies usually have a way to submit an insurance claim online. If this is a method you are comfortable with, you should definitely take advantage of it. Companies like Geico and Progressive offer ways to track the status of your claim online, so there should be no need to call a representative.
If you decide to talk with someone over the phone, makes sure they you always follow their directions in a timely fashion. More than likely there will be a lot of paperwork to get together, but this also depends on how serious the accident was. Make sure to have a copy of the police report which, if you havenat already, go to the police department to get it. Also, keep in mind that if your car has been stolen, you will have to have receipts for anything you plan to claim. This is how they reimburse you, minus any deductible that may have been charged.
Paperwork aside, your car will definitely need to be inspected. Whether your car is totaled or thereas a couple of scratches in the paint, an estimate is required so that an estimate for the repairs can be made. Companies like Progressive make things simple by sending a representative to your home or work. If this option is available, take full advantage of it. Most companies will send you to an approved body shop if they do not offer this convenient service.
You should have received information from your insurance company about a rental car. Sometimes, if you have really cheap car insurance, this benefit may not be included. It can be an optional choice when you sign up for your policy, an important point as to why you should understand your coverage. If you do have rental car coverage, you can use it while waiting for your vehicle to be fixed.
Once an estimate for repair of your vehicle is made, the body shop will set up a time for you to leave your car with them. Make sure to discuss with them how long they will have your vehicle. When you do go to pick up your repaired car from them, it is imperative to look over the repairs and assure that they have been made to your standards. This is the time to speak up if you are unsatisfied, they should fix anything you are not happy with.