Protecting My Car

It can be quite stressful to be in a car accident and deal with the aftermath. Chances are that you'll be using auto insurance to pay for the necessary repairs to get your vehicle back on the road, as well as your medical bills due to injuries. That's why it helps to have some tips about filing an insurance claim so that it can go smoothly for you. 

Act Promptly

It is important that you act promptly to make a claim after you are involved in an accident. Your insurance adjuster may want to see the car so that they understand the type of damage it sustained, and if the car is totaled and undrivable, it means you have to hold onto the car. Acting promptly also helps get the process moving so that your car can be repaired faster. Starting the process should be the first thing you do after everyone is safe. 

Document Everything

It's impossible to take too many photos after an accident to support the claim you will make. You should take photographs and videos to document everything. This includes the damage to both vehicles, not just the one that you own. Photograph the location of the cars after the accident, since it can tell a story of how the vehicles collided. Capture the road conditions at the time, since having dry or wet pavement can help prove who had trouble stopping. If you were injured, take photographs of the injuries as well to prove that they were a result of the crash.

Know Your Coverage 

You will want a good idea of the type of coverage you have prior to submitting your claim. Pull up the policy online and read about your deductibles, coverage limits in different areas and if you have comprehensive or collision coverage. If you understand the coverage you have, it will help the claims process go smoothly because you will not ask so many questions about what is and is not covered.

Communicate Clearly

You need to communicate clearly with the insurance adjuster about the details of the accident. Now is not the time to go into a huge narrative about the accident, but to provide the key information that is needed to start the claim process. This includes the date and time of the accident, who was involved, if there were witnesses, and communication you have received from the other driver. 

Reach out to an auto insurance company near you to learn more.