Don’t know what to do after you’ve filed a claim with your auto insurance company? You’re at the right place. Whether it’s due to a car accident, damage, or any unexpected event, the process that unfolds after filing a claim might seem complex. Below is a guide that will simplify things for you. We’ll walk you through the key stages that occur after you’ve submitted your claim— from assessment to resolution. Soon, you’ll have a better understanding of what to expect from the process and how it works. Let’s dive in
Step 1: Prioritize Safety
After an accident, your foremost concern should be the safety of yourself, your passengers, and others involved. Before taking any measures, ensure your location is secure and well-lit, and move your vehicle to the roadside with hazard lights activated.
Step 2: Alert Authorities and File a Police Report
In the event of an accident, promptly contact emergency services and, when feasible, file a police report. Get details such as the name of the police department and the report number when submitting an insurance claim.
Step 3: Thorough Documentation
Once you’ve engaged the police, exchange insurance details with all parties involved. Taking photographs from multiple angles is advisable. Additionally, jot down your recollections of the accident’s circumstances, location, participants, and sequence of events.
Step 4: Review Insurance Coverage
Before initiating the insurance claim process, review your policy’s specifics. Typically, you can find coverage details on your insurance ID card or auto declarations page.
Step 5: Notify and File with Your Insurer
On starting a car insurance claim, contact your insurance team and send them all your information and queries. Send them your police report, photographs, and notes. Sustain communication with your insurer throughout the investigation.
Step 6: Patience During the Investigation
This phase often proves the most trying—waiting to investigate and assess your vehicle’s damage. You may need to select an auto repair shop for the necessary fixes, so seek recommendations from friends and family. Subsequently, your insurance provider will compile a repair estimate that might span several days.
Step 7: Settlement Arrangement
After completing their investigative efforts, your insurance company will disburse the repair estimate amount (minus your deductible) to you, your lienholder, or the chosen repair shop with your authorization.
Step 8: Fulfill Your Deductible
As the final stage of the claims process, you’ll need to pay your deductible upon completion of the repairs—regardless of fault. Typically, you’ll remit the deductible to the auto repair shop, with your insurance covering the remainder.
