How to File an Insurance Claim after a Car Accident

One of the most important things you should do after getting into a wreck is to file a claim with your insurance carrier. Let’s take a closer look at the process so you can know what to do.

1. Call your insurance agency or a local representative of the insurance company.

The first thing you should always do after a wreck is to call the local branch of your insurance carrier. The earlier you call them, the quicker you can go through the process. You will also need to make sure you give the police report to your insurance carrier since they will need a record of it to file the claim.

If you do not give it to them, your driver’s license could be suspended. Points could be placed against it as well. Keep an open conversation between yourself and the insurance carrier during the filing process so you can have an easier time of the experience.

2. Make a choice as to where you want to take your car to get it repaired – choose a place that has guarantees to your liking.

You can take it wherever you want, as long as the place is covered by your insurance carrier. It is advised that you let the insurance carrier call for a wrecker truck, however, since they will have a list of local companies that are covered by their insurance. This can save you money down the road since all you will have to pay is the deductible.

3. Hand over anything the insurance company needs to file the claim.

There are certain things the insurance company will ask you for as they are working toward filing your claim through their company. Such things include the police report along with any photos or documentation of the scene of the wreck itself. The earlier you give them this information or documentation, the earlier the claim will be filed.

There are negative consequences to not giving the police report to the insurance company, such as points being taken from your driver’s license. It could even be suspended or revoked. The more cooperative you are with the insurance company, the less frustration you’ll have down the line.

4. Keep a record of your expenses in regards to the wreck and keep copies of any paperwork regarding the wreck.

Make sure you take photographs of the scene to give the insurance company. You will want to keep a record of these photos as well in case they are needed again. You will also want to keep records of the police report as well along with any other paperwork you get from the insurance company. That way you can pull the paperwork out if anyone asks to see it for any reason. Place these papers in a folder and place it in a place you can recall at later times if needed.

5. If you are dissatisfied with the settlement offer, talk it over with your insurance representative or agent.

It is not taboo to speak with the insurance company about the settlement offer. If you don’t think you got enough money for your money spent, don’t be afraid to talk about your opinion. The insurance company will listen to you and do what they can to resolve the issue to the best of their ability. Make sure to speak up if you have a problem with the settlement, especially if you believe you should have gotten more money or other things.

Greenville and Washington, NC Auto Accident Attorneys

I’m Brian Ricci, a Car Accident Lawyer serving Greenville, NC and the surrounding areas. If you have suffered a personal injury due to a car crash, please call me anytime at (252) 777-2222 or (800) 387-6406 for free, friendly advice. The call is free and there is no obligation to you.

I am a longtime member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.

