Unfortunately, accidents happen. Traffic surrounding the South Bay is known for producing the occasional fender bender.  No matter if you’re the one at fault or not, getting in an accident can add stress to your life that may not have been present before. Rather than letting the stress get to you, here’s a simple guide to help you be prepared in the case that you become involved in an accident.

6 Simple Steps to Filing a Car Insurance Claim

Being in an accident is scary and knowing what to expect is nearly impossible. To better understand the claim process, follow these six steps below. You can get your life back to normal in no time.

1. Gather Information From All Parties Involved

At the site of the accident, it is crucial that you get all of the information from the drivers involved in the collision. Be sure to ask the other drivers for information, including driver’s license number, phone number, car insurance provider or agent information, and photos of the accident.

This will help aid in the filing of your car insurance claim. Your insurance agent will have an adequate amount of information to make the claim, and help expedite the process of getting your vehicle and life back to normal.

2. Investigate the Damages Made To All Vehicles Involved

In the event that you cannot take photos of the damages done to the vehicles involved, be sure that you thoroughly investigate the damages and write them down.

A professional may need to have detailed records of the damages done to you or that you have done to another vehicle to successfully draft a claim.

Take note of what needs to be repaired or replaced. This will help your insurance agent give you the most accurate estimate.

3. File a Claim with Your Car Insurance Agent

Once you have all of the adequate information listed above, you can now file a claim with your car insurance agent. When you file a claim, you’ll get a claim number that will allow you to track the progress of your claim.

Your car insurance agent will ask for details regarding the accident and work with you to promptly draft an estimate.

4. Review Your Estimate

Once your car insurance agent has drafted the claim, be sure to review it. Your claims adjuster will discuss your settlement based on your policy and provisions, terms and coverage.

For drivers who are experiencing this process for the first time, be sure to ask any questions you may have regarding the terms of your estimate. This will allow you to clearly understand why and how your settlement was drafted and better understand your options moving forward in this process.

5. Repair Your Car

Once you have received and reviewed your estimate, you can now get your car repaired. Bring your vehicle to a preferred technician that has worked with insurance claims before to experience as little hassle as possible. Your mechanic will be able to assess the damages and help you determine if your estimate is enough to cover the damages caused by the accident.

6. Settle Your Car Insurance Claim

Once your car is fully repaired and back in your possession, you can now settle your claim.  Depending on your circumstances, you may be compensated at the time of inspection or after the claim has been submitted and approved.

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