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Making the claim

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It would be good if life was always fair. Well, it would be better if life was always generous to you, but that would be asking the impossible. The best you can hope for is that people and companies treat you honestly and fairly. As an example, you would imagine insurance companies would be more generous because of the mandate. You are given no choice by the state. This is big government ordering you to buy insurance if you want to drive. So the insurance company should respect your position and, when the inevitable accident happens, smooth the way for your claim. The state has forced you to give them money. The least they can do is give it back with good grace.

Except, if course, most of us know the reverse happens. The majority of insurance companies are welcoming when you ask for a quote, but full of excuses when you make a claim. What should be a smooth and fair process often becomes stressful. The insurer thinks of its profit margin before your welfare. So here are a few tips to help you start the ball rolling in the right direction. It all starts with the accident itself. Collect as much information as possible. It may be helpful to carry a checklist with you to make sure you don’t forget anything important. Always get the name, address, contact details and insurance company of the other driver(s) involved. Write down the details of the other vehicles. If your cellphone or mobile device has a camera, take pictures of the damage to all the vehicles involved, and make your own notes about how the accident happened. Should the police or ambulance attend, collect the names of the officers and ensure you make a police report. If you are injured, go to the hospital or see a doctor as soon as possible, and get a medical report listing all your injuries.

Some car insurance companies prefer you to contact them from the scene of the accident so that a claims adjuster can view the vehicles before they are moved away. Whenever you talk to anyone about the accident, be it the police, the other drivers the ambulance crew, etc. don’t admit fault. The less you say about what happened the better – even in a no-fault state.

With a comprehensive evidence pack describing the accident, we now come to the vehicle itself. Follow the terms of your policy when it comes to getting the vehicle to a repair shop. Some insurers only accept repairs when done by one of their approved dealers. Almost all require you to get at least two competing quotes before they will agree repairs. Never authorize the repairs before hearing from a claims adjuster. Should the adjuster suggest your vehicle may be totaled, urgently research the current fair value of the vehicle. As and when it comes to a discussion whether to repair, it helps if you have your own evidence of current market value.

Should the car insurance company prove slow to move, there are some attorneys who specialize in dealing with claims. For larger claims where you fear you may lose out in any settlement, it can be good value to employ an attorney. It may also help when your next car insurance quotes come in if your reputation has been protected.

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