Contact your insurance agency immediately after you are involved in an auto accident. Upon receipt of your auto claim your insurance company will confirm that your policy is indeed active. Then they will assign your case to an insurance claims adjuster.

Working With Insurance Claims Adjusters

Information related to the insurance claim the adjuster will ask you for includes:

• Police report (if there is one).
• Medical report and bills related to the accident.
• Date and time of the accident.
• Weather conditions at the time the accident occurred.
• Name, telephone number, and drivers license number of the other driver involved in the accident.
• Names and contact information of other non-drivers involved in the accident.

Also provide your insurance company with the names and contact information of witnesses who saw the accident. The claims adjuster from your insurance company will schedule a date and time that is convenient for you to examine your vehicle and estimate the amount of damages.

Auto Repairs After the Insurance Claim

If the claims adjuster determines that your auto can be repaired, take your auto to a licensed repair shop approved by your car insurance company. Keep auto repair receipts associated with the accident claim. You will give these to your auto insurance company upon request.

You are responsible for paying your insurance policy deductible. Before your insurance company reimburses you for repairs performed on your vehicle, they will deduct this amount. Within a week you should receive a check to cover the costs of the approved repairs.

NOTE: An insurance policy that has a rental car agreement written into it will allow you to drive a rental at no additional charge while your vehicle undergoes repairs. Several insurance companies will allow you to rent a car at a discount if you do not have a rental written into your policy when you file your insurance claim.

Insurance Claims Resulting in Total Loss Determination

For cars and trucks that are determined to be non-repairable or a total loss you will receive a check that covers the market value of your vehicle. Any monies that remain on your auto loan above the market value will be your responsibility to pay.

Keep in mind that if you have gap insurance, your insurance company will cover the difference between the market value of the vehicle and the amount of your auto loan. You will still be responsible for the deductible.

Your insurance agent will work with the other driver’s insurance agent to resolve legal issues. Your agent will contact you for additional information pertaining to the accident as needed.