How to File an Auto Insurance Claim
Ok, let’s set the record straight. There is a right and a wrong way to file an insurance claim. What you say the day you file your claim can give the insurance company enough to decline your coverage. You must be aware of what you are doing before proceed forward.
Here is a short how to list:
- Read your policy first if you can. Your claim can be excluded for simply things. If you know what those simple things are, you will understand why the insurance adjuster is asking you she is asking you.
- Prepare for the call. Have all the information ready so you can give it to the adjuster. Having the police report of the crash information sheet with you can help you with streets, names, etc.
- Give yourself time. Prepare 1 to 2 hours. This way you will not be press for time and you can take your time and explain exactly what happened. You only get one chance to explain your point of view. If you are unable to explain your position, then the insurance company could “fill in the gaps” and find you at fault.
- When you are talking to an adjuster, it is ok to say “I do not know or I can’t remember!” They don’t like that, but if you feel the question if framing you or you just can’t explain something, you can say just say that you do not know. This lets the door open in case they want to blame something on you; you can argue that you remember better now!
- Talk to the insurance company when you are calm and can explain everything. Some people like to call from the scene and that is sometimes the best thing to do. However, most of the time is better to take your time, rest, go over the facts and then give those to the insurance company.
- Get concrete answer from the adjuster. When are you going to determine liability? When I am going to get a rental car. You said that I can only get a rental car if the other person says that they are at fault, is that correct? Try to put them in a position in which they give you assurances.
- Be polite yet make your point. Adjusters like to quote the law on people. Don’t argue with them. Just ask them to please mail you a copy of the pertinent statute or the pertinent section of the policy.
- Ask for a detail explanation of the process. How will they handle the claim? What time frames are they talking about? Do not hang up the phone until every thing is clear to you. The adjuster has a duty to explain everything so ask them patience.
- Ask what is expected of you. If the adjuster needs help finding a name or the police report, see if you can speed the process by requesting that. If the adjuster tell you that everything is fine. Then request that they update you regarding the claim often.
- Make sure you ask them when you will be contacted next. If they fail to contact you, give them a call and make sure you notify the adjuster’s supervisor.
- Visit: http://www.auto-insurance-claim-advice.com to be update on insurance claims.
