After an Auto Accident: Understanding the Claims Process
If you've been involved in an auto accident and need to file an insurance claim, then you need to understand how the claims process works.
In the unfortunate event that you are involved in an auto accident involving injury or property damage, you will be required to file a claim with your insurance company.
The following information is designed to guide you through the claims settlement process.
1.
Report the Accident to Your Broker, Agent, or Insurance Company
When you are involved in an auto accident involving injury or property damage, you need to report it to your insurance agent, broker, or insurance company within seven days, regardless of who is at fault.
If you are unable to report the accident within seven days, report it as soon as possible after that. If you don’t report your accident within a reasonable amount of time, your insurance company may not have to honour your claim.
2.
Read Your Policy
It's a good idea to sit down and thoroughly. It provides specific details about your insurance coverage, your rights and your responsibilities under the contract.
3.
What Happens After You File a Claim with Your Insurance Company?
Once your claim is reported, you will be contacted by the claims adjuster assigned to your file.
In some cases the adjuster will want to meet with you in person; in other cases the entire claim will be handled over the telephone. To support your claim, you may also be required to complete a claim form, also known as a Proof of Loss form (a sworn statement in support of your claim)
4.
Getting Your Vehicle Repaired
Selecting a Repair Shop
As long as your insurance company approves the estimate, you may have your vehicle repaired at the repair shop of your choice.
Your insurance company may suggest you bring your vehicle to one of their "preferred" body shops. You may find using one of their "preferred" shops easier, because it puts the onus on your insurance company to make sure that the work is done satisfactorily.
If you've been involved in an auto accident and need to file an insurance claim, then you need to understand how the claims process works.
In the unfortunate event that you are involved in an auto accident involving injury or property damage, you will be required to file a claim with your insurance company.
The following information is designed to guide you through the claims settlement process.
1.
Report the Accident to Your Broker, Agent, or Insurance Company
When you are involved in an auto accident involving injury or property damage, you need to report it to your insurance agent, broker, or insurance company within seven days, regardless of who is at fault.
If you are unable to report the accident within seven days, report it as soon as possible after that. If you don’t report your accident within a reasonable amount of time, your insurance company may not have to honour your claim.
2.
Read Your Policy
It's a good idea to sit down and thoroughly. It provides specific details about your insurance coverage, your rights and your responsibilities under the contract.
3.
What Happens After You File a Claim with Your Insurance Company?
Once your claim is reported, you will be contacted by the claims adjuster assigned to your file.
In some cases the adjuster will want to meet with you in person; in other cases the entire claim will be handled over the telephone. To support your claim, you may also be required to complete a claim form, also known as a Proof of Loss form (a sworn statement in support of your claim)
4.
Getting Your Vehicle Repaired
Selecting a Repair Shop
As long as your insurance company approves the estimate, you may have your vehicle repaired at the repair shop of your choice.
Your insurance company may suggest you bring your vehicle to one of their "preferred" body shops. You may find using one of their "preferred" shops easier, because it puts the onus on your insurance company to make sure that the work is done satisfactorily.
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