How To File A Car Insurance Claim (2024)

How To File A Car Insurance Claim

Let’s face it, if you’re filing acar insurance claim it’s because something unexpected and unwanted happened toyour vehicle. That means you’re probably already frustrated, angry andinconvenienced. The next part is filing an insurance claim. It sounds daunting,but it doesn’t have to be.

Don’t worry, we can help! The bestway to assist in moving claims through the system is to provide as muchinformation as possible from the start. This can help avoid delays later in theprocess as a result of unanswered questions.Document all of the details and use your smart phone to take pictures. They’llsave you a thousand words later.Consider keeping a disposable camera in your car and do your friends andfamily a favor by suggesting they do the same.

Here are the rest of ourrecommendations to help you if you need to file a car insurance claim.

Make SureEveryone is OK

This one probably goes without saying, but the health and well-being ofeveryone involved is paramount.

If anyone in your vehicle was injured as aresult of the accident you will need to provide their name and address to yourinsurance company.

CollectInformation

If you were in a car accident you will need to gather a few importantdetails:

If another car is involved you’ll need the following from the driver:

While you’re doing your due diligence here, stick to the facts. Don’tmake apologies or admit fault. It’s difficult, but it’s in your best interestto avoid discussing what just happened with other parties involved until theauthorities arrive. Speaking of which...

Call 911

A police report will be useful inhelping the insurance companies sort out what happened and make sure that theentire incident is on record. It can also help prevent any he said/she saidcomplications in the process.

If you are filing your claim due to theft or vandalism the police reportwill verify the veracity of your claim and help hold the responsible partiesaccountable, if and when they are apprehended.

Call yourInsurance Carrier

Information gathered? Check.
Photographic support? Check.

Police report filed? Check.

Now get your insurance card and call your insurance representative.They’ll want your policy number and they’ll have some questions. Be prepared toexplain the situation in detail.

If that means you need to take afew minutes to steady yourself, take them. Breathe.

At NYCM Insurance, our team ishere for you. Not just to help you get your claim in the system, but to helpyou through the process. This is the time when you should inquire about anycoverage details that you are unsure of.If your vehicle cannot be driven ask your insurance provider abouttowing or rental coverages that may be available under your policy. In themeantime, protect the vehicle and don’t drive it if doing so will exacerbatethe existing damage.

Speak to yourAppraiser

An auto appraiser will be assigned to yourclaim. That is the person who will inspect your vehicle to assess the cost ofthe repairs. Some insurance companies require you to go to an inspection site toget an estimate while others will do an inspection while your car is in yourdriveway or at a repair shop. Your auto appraiser will do their best toschedule a time and date that works for both of you.

Get yourVehicle Repaired

After getting an appraisal of the damages, you will then be able to getyour car fixed. Some insurance companies have recommended repair shops but youhave the option to use any repair shop you prefer. During this time, you mayneed a rental car. Check your policy tosee if and how much rental coverage you have available.

Pay for theRepairs

The amount you will have to pay out of pocket depends largely on yourdeductible. Your deductible is the amount you agreed to contribute toward therepair costs. If you aren’t sure what your deductible amount is, make sure toask about it when reporting the claim or when you meet with your appraiser.Depending on your situation (i.e. you have a lienholder) your insurance companymay pay you directly or you may be able to have them pay the repair shop.

Be Proactive

Our last bit of advice is to be proactive when it comes to knowing yourinsurance coverage. Auto insurance policies have a lot of details, but we dorecommend you know a few basics about your policy before you need to use it. Tryto familiarize yourself with your deductible amount. If you ask yourself, “whatis my deductible”, and your answer is “I don't know” look into that now. It’salso worth knowing what other kinds of coverage and coverage limits your policyprovides.