Vehicle insurance claim – Do you know how to file one?

Photo of author

By CraigNewby

If you are a driver then chances are than you might experience an accident that damages your car or that causes you health issues. If you get involved into an accident and it is not your fault, then you can file an insurance claim. But before filing the claim there are certain things you have to pay attention to. There are multiples types of claims you can file for, but the most of them are for property damage and medical expenses.

When can I file an insurance claim?

If you are involved into a car collision then you should contact the insurance company. Also, you can file the claim if your car is damaged in a non-accident situation as bad weather or fire, if it is stolen, or if it is vandalized. You will find the number of the insurance company on the front of your insurance card, but in case it is not written there, then you can search it online.

What information do I need?

When you file a claim it is advisable to contact an attorney who has experience in these cases as , because they could guide you during the process. But you should know that the insurance company will need your policy number and your full name. Also it is important to know the start and end date of the policy and the date and time of the accident. In case there were witnesses, passengers or drivers involved in the accident, then you will have to offer their contact details. In case multiple drivers were involved in the accident, then you will have to offer their license and license plate numbers.

How do I file a claim for bodily injuries?

In case you are not at fault for the collision then you can claim the other driver’s insurance to cover for your health expenses. But you have to research if the accident happened in a no-fault state. In order to ease the process of filing an insurance claim for bodily injuries it is advisable to take photos of your injuries and of the scene. Also, you should call the police and ask the officers to offer you a copy of their report. You have to have a medical check immediately after the accident. It is advisable to hire an attorney in case you consider that you do not know what steps to follow.

How do I file a claim for property damage?

Depending on the cause of the accident you have the possibility to claim for car repairs. You should know that this type of coverage does not pay for your car’s repairs, but for the ones of the vehicles that were involved in an accident caused by you. In case the collision was another driver’s fault, then you can file the claim with their insurer. You will have to report the damage to the company immediately after the accident. It is necessary to exchange insurance information with the other driver and to not perform any repairs, until the insurance company inspects the vehicle.