Car Insurance
Avoid The Claim Filing
Headache
As if being in an
accident or having your car stolen weren't bad enough,
nothing cranks up your stress level
like dealing with an obstinate insurer.
The claims process after an auto accident is
supposed to be simple. You make a claim, an adjuster
estimates
the repair costs and the insurance company cuts you a check to
cover the repairs.
Unfortunately, the process isn't always so simple for many of
the millions of people who file claims each
year.
Here are some
things you can do to get claims settled as fast and as
smoothly as possible:
Jot down the
setting, time, weather and other aspects of the
environment; you don't know what will be
significant later. Keeping a disposable camera in your auto, so
you can take photos of the accident scene, is
an excellent idea.
If a camera is not
available, you can
make a rough drawing of damage to vehicles and property,
and
describe any apparent injuries and other pertinent facts.
Acquire and maintain a copy of the police report for
yourself as well.
Next contact your
insurer without delay: The insurance company could void
your policy if you don't. Be sure
to report in writing as well to make sure that your rights are
protected under law. Check your policy- identify
what coverage you have and don't have so you know what you can
claim. Ask your agent ahead of time
what the claims process will be like and what information the
company may need. Keep track of and know
the deadlines as well. Some policies have time limits for each
step of the claims' process.
If your auto is
stolen, your initial response should be similar to any
auto accident. First, have a police officer
visit the scene and file a police report. Try to have your
license plate number and VIN (Vehicle Identification
Number) for the police. If the Registration is stolen along
with the car, try to obtain a duplicate from the
Transport Authorities without delay. Then notify your car
insurance company right away. Auto insurance
claims for stolen vehicles always take longer to process,
because the police are given a reasonable amount
of time to locate the stolen car. Stay in touch with the police
regarding the development of the investigation.
If the car is not traced after a realistic period, get a report
from the police to that effect. If the vehicle is
traced, tell the company immediately.

Be sure and watch
your claim: Obtain your claim number and call the company
or claims adjuster periodically
for status. With certain insurers you can track your claim's
status online. Sometimes writing a letter to the
adjuster or a supervisor can get things moving, if you feel
they are delayed. Be persistent, but not
insufferable.
And remember, to
avoid walking while your claim is being
processed-Check rental coverage: If the accident
wasn't your fault , you can get a rental car while yours
is in
the shop, paid for by the other driver's company. If
the
mishap was your fault, you have to have rental
reimbursement coverage. If your car was stolen and you
have comprehensive insurance, your insurer will
probably
pay a capped amount each day for a rental.
In this manner
when you must file a claim on your auto insurance, you know
that everything will be dealt with as smoothly as
possible.
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