Aug 10
6
There is a reason we all need to have some insurance: to get reimbursed after an accident. Despite the fact that filing an insurance claim is exactly why we buy insurance, it can be one of the most stressful processes we can go through. The perception of the claims process is adversarial and sometimes that perception is correct. However, the car insurance claim process is usually pretty straight forward. Here is the process in a nutshell:
Notifying the Insurer Immediately After a Car Accident
As soon as possible, it is necessary to report any accidents to your insurance company. The insurance company will take a first report of accident from the insured or a representative and assign an adjuster to the claim.
An Insurance Adjuster is Assigned to the Claim
The adjuster will contact the insured and take a detailed statement of the events of the accident. This adjuster should be the primary point of contact for the insured throughout the claims process. The adjuster will take detailed statements from all parties involved in the accident as well as any traffic reports from the scene.
Medical Care is Authorized if there is Medical Payments or Personal Injury Protection Insurance
Injured parties within the car of the insured will have some limited medical coverage if the insured carries personal injury protection or medical payments insurance on the policy. These payments will apply regardless of fault in the accident.
Property Damages of the Cars and Other Property is Estimated
If the vehicles are operable, the insurance company may request that the vehicle be taken to an authorized estimation center for inspection. If the vehicle is not operable, a field adjuster will be dispatched to inspect the vehicles at their location.
Negligence of the Insured is Determined
At this point, the adjuster must determine the amount of fault, if any, the insured is responsible for. Some states do allow partial fault to be assigned which will impact the final payout amounts of the claim. If the insured is determined to be at fault, damages to the third party’s car and/or payments for medical care will be authorized. If there is a dispute about fault, the insurance companies of all the parties in the accident will negotiate.
Physical Damage Payments are Made
Regardless of fault, if Collision coverage is included in the insured’s policy, payment for damages to the insured’s car can be covered by the insured’s insurance. The payment will be reduced by the deductible amount and it is likely that a charge for the accident will be applied to the insurance premium at renewal. If the accident was not the insured’s fault and the at fault party’s insurance company is willing to pay, it is recommended that all physical damage claims be handled through the at fault party’s insurance.
Final Settlement and Claim Closure
Assuming that everyone agrees with the payments made for the physical damages and any bodily injury, the car insurance claim will be closed by the insurance company after the final payment is made. If there are still disputes, the claim may need to be referred for mediation or litigation. That is usually not the case, but it can happen.
Filing a car insurance claim is usually a pleasant process- far less traumatic than a car accident. Insurance companies understand this and strive to make the claims process fast and easy. The value added in customer loyalty pays off in the long run. Whether the policy is a commercial insurance policy or a personal auto policy, the claims process is pretty much the same.
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