Insurance companies and mechanics should help you recover from an accident.
Dealing with insurance and mechanics should not add trauma to the shock of a car accident. To avoid expensive misunderstandings, follow instructions from your insurance claims adjuster or agent. Reputable repair shops have experience dealing with insurance companies and are familiar with the claims process. You can usually choose your own mechanic but might receive faster service or other benefits if you use a repair shop recommended by your insurance company.
Instructions
Call Your Insurance Company
1. Obtain insurance and contact information from other parties involved in the accident. Write down names and telephone numbers of witnesses. File a police report and ask obtain a copy of the official accident report. Write your own account of the accident as soon as possible and take photos if you can.
2. Call your insurance company immediately. Call your insurance agent or the claims department. Give details of the accident, injuries and physical damage to your vehicle. Be honest and frank but do not admit or assign fault.
3. Review the coverages and deductibles on your policy. Verify whether your policy covers damage to your vehicle, towing or the expense of a rental vehicle while your car is being repaired. Make sure you understand what is and is not covered and the total amounts you will be reimbursed.
4. When the claims adjuster calls you, write down her name, direct telephone number and the claim number. Ask how many estimates you must obtain and whether you must take your car to a specified repair shop. Tell your insurance agent if you do not hear from the claims adjuster within one day or if you need helping sending documents or photos to the claims adjuster.
Repairs
5. Take your car to an automotive shop for a repair estimate. Keep a copy of all estimates. Send the estimates and photos to your claims representative if the repair shop does not send them directly.
6. Wait for authorization from your claims adjuster before you tell the repair shop to proceed with repairs. Find out exactly what the insurance company will pay for and what you will be responsible to pay. Ask the claims adjuster to explain any differences between the estimate and what the insurance company will pay.
7. Ask the claims adjuster whether the insurance company will pay the repair shop directly or reimburse you. Find out what evidence of repairs is needed for the insurance payment to be released. Make sure the repair shop submits documents and photos as soon as the repair work is complete.
Final Considerations
8. Pay any policy premiums due during the claims process. Ask your agent whether to expect a premium increase on your next renewal.
9. Pick up your car after repairs are complete. Ask to see parts that were replaced and make sure you are satisfied with the quality of repair work. Verify the insurance company has closed the claim.
10. Review coverages and the premium when your policy renews. If repairs were costly, your premium might increase but your current insurance company might still give you a better rate than a new company would.
Tags: claims adjuster, insurance company, repair shop, your insurance, company will, insurance company will
