How To Make A Successful Car Insurance Claim

A car accident has caused damage to your car. How well your insurance claim goes will likely depend on what you do next and how you handle it.

If you've been hurt or your car has been damaged in a car accident, here are some tips to help your car insurance claim go smoothly and get you the money you're owed as soon as possible.

1. Write down what happened as soon as you can to make sure your story is correct. Your insurance company will make a quick decision based on how well you describe the accident or incident.
2. Figure out if you should call the police. You should report something to the police if:
3. Take pictures of the scene, the damage, and the people who are hurt. If you have a cell phone or digital camera with you, taking pictures is one of the best things you can do to remember the event. They'll add a lot to your written report for the insurance company.

- If someone steals your car,

- If someone broke into the car

- If someone did something bad to your car

- If someone got hurt because of the accident,

- If you think someone has done something wrong,

1. Don't get your car fixed until your insurance company says it will pay for it. Check with your insurance company to see if they have any repair shops they like in your area. Shops that work with your insurance company often will often have special plans in place to get the job done quickly and well.
2. When you call your insurance company after an accident, ask the representative to walk you through the steps you need to take to file a claim for coverage. Then, be sure to do everything exactly as they tell you to.
4. Tell your insurance company about the damage as soon as you can. If your insurance company has a help line that is open 24 hours a day, use it to report the accident and then file a claim in writing.
5. If you don't have the right to a loaner car, you may still be able to get money for your travel costs during the time you can't use your car. Your insurance company will pay for "reasonable costs," which usually means the least expensive way possible. If your claim for travel costs is reasonable, it is more likely to be paid.
6. If your insurance company says you are eligible for a loaner car, follow their instructions when you rent it.
7. Be truthful on your form. One of the main reasons claims are turned down is because the person making the claim gave false information.

Accident cleanup is never fun, but if you follow these simple steps, it will be a lot easier and less stressful.