Auto Claims - Filing Your Insurance Claim

"Consumer Information on Filing your Insurance Claim"

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Filing Your Claim

Dealing with any Insurance Company can be frustrating and intimidating. Over the years we have heard many war stories about people's experiences. There are a few basic rules to follow that will make your experience a little better than most (we hope).

Numero Uno: Report the claim as soon as possible. If you have damaged your car or someone else's, be assured the problem is not going to go away. Insurance Company's are not fond of surprises, especially old ones. Also, do it while all the facts are fresh and you have not lost that scrap of paper that you wrote everything down on. If you have an Accident Report and are not sure of the other persons Insurance Company, the police can identify the company from the Insurance Code.

Numero Two:What ever you send to the Insurance Company, make sure that you send it Certified/Return Receipt Requested. Many companies are notorious for not receiving information that was sent. Also, absolutely make copies of everything for yourself. If the Insurance Company sends you forms to complete do it in a timely manner.

Numero Three: If you are having difficulty with your claim there are some stead fast rules that usually work.
------------First: Make sure from the beginning that you write down everyone's name that you speak with. Chances are you will be transferred to every corner of the Claim Department. Include in this list the dates and even times that your calls and attempted calls were made. All this is real useful for the Second step.
----------- Second: If you are not getting-anywhere with the Claim Representative demand to speak to his/hers supervisor. The Claim real busy places. The Supervisor does not need added aggravation. Be persistent Departments are and firm, but the "squeaky wheel syndrome". I've seen it work more times than not...not obnoxious.
------------Thirdly: If you are really stuck you have a third option. In most states the Insurance Companies are regulated by the State Insurance Department. They usually have strict service guidelines that the Insurance Companies must follow. If you are not getting anywhere, file a complaint. The process takes a while, but is effective. To find the regulatory agency check with the library or check with an independent appraiser.

Numero Four: If someone damages your car and you have no recourse with their Insurance Company then you can take them to Small Claims Court. The whole process is simpler than you think. Go to your local Town Court and they can give you the details.The filing costs and damage thresholds vary by state. The court proceedings are usually informal- you, the Judge, and the knucklehead that backed into you. I hope this information will be useful to you...

Topics to follow:
-Choosing a Body Shop
Dealing with the Appraiser

Contact Information

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