Filing a Car Insurance Claim

It can happen before you know it: you’re cruising down the motorway humming a song when your kid in the back seat asks you a question. You direct your eyes to the rear view mirror as you answer, and when you look back at the road the cars in front of you have slowed to a near stop. You mash down the brake pedal, but not quickly enough to prevent a rear-end collision. Or perhaps you’re just driving quietly down a residential street when a little old lady drives through a stop sign and side-swipes you. In either case, it’s time to file a claim with your insurance company.

The first thing to do in situations like that is to call the police. This is a simple precaution for the benefit of both parties. The police can look over the accident site, determine whose fault it is and file a report describing the situation and the damage done. You will want that report to verify your claim, especially if you’re filing with the other person’s insurance. If you’re the one at fault and they are claiming against your insurance, the report will prevent them from claiming other damage that you didn’t do.

The next person you call is your insurance company. Even if they are not going to be liable, you should let them know what has happened to your car and what the policy information is for the other person. Ask them what they need you to do. It’s best to keep a record of all your interaction, even phone calls. Have all mail certified so that you can be sure they get it. If your vehicle was damaged, take pictures immediately (and of the other car too, if you have your camera handy). This again is to protect yourself. If your policy includes a free rental car be sure to ask about it.

After this you just have to wait. Do whatever you’re instructed to and call back as many times as necessary to get the help you need. Hopefully whichever insurance company is responsible will respond promptly the way it’s supposed to.