How To Expedite A Recently Filed Auto Insurance Claim
Being involved in an automobile accident can be confusing, frustrating, and time consuming. Often, you must deal with not only your insurance company but the insurance company of the other parties involved. As well, there will be claims adjusters, investigators, police, mechanics, and perhaps doctors and hospitals. There are a few important things that you should know that will help to speed the claims process.
As soon as the accident occurs, if possible, you should always exchange pertinent information with the other party. This information includes their name, address, driver's license number, license plate number, and insurance policy information. You should also contact the police if there are any injuries or death, if the accident was a hit and run, if it involves a vehicle without valid plates or insurance. Also call the police if damage has been caused from theft, vandalism, or an animal collision. When the police arrive, they will fill out a police report and give each party a copy.
Call your insurance company once the accident has been reported so that an auto insurance claim can be initiated. The insurance company will give you a file number as soon as you file the insurance claim. When you file an insurance claim, it can seem to drag on forever. In order to speed up the process, you should provide the insurance adjuster with all of the pertinent information. Give them a copy of the police report and any other documentation that they may require. If you require any medical treatments or procedures to be performed as a result of the accident, you should pass these receipts and proof on to the insurance adjuster. You may be able to receive reimbursement for physiotherapy, x-rays, or chiropractic services. You should also obtain quotes from different mechanics and present these to the insurance company. The sooner you report the incident to your insurance company, the faster the claim can proceed. The events will be fresh in your memory and you can recall them more accurately. Also, witness statements should be recorded as soon as possible to ensure that they are accurate.
Having this information ahead of time will help prepare you if you happen to be involved in a motor vehicle accident or if you have any other damage to your vehicle and you need to file and auto insurance claim. This will greatly reduce the stress, frustration, and time involved in processing your claim. Filing a claim with your insurance company doesn't have to be difficult. As long as you have the required documentation and information about the accident, your will be able to receive the settlement or have your vehicle repaired in a short time.
