By Clifford J Schimek
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2565209
Maintaining a policy does not prevent the likelihood of a driver incurring an accident or loss, multiple times, over the course of a lifetime. An unexpected incident involving your automobile causing physical damage or bodily injuries can be very stressful and upsetting. The information provided here will help minimize the negative impact of any loss or accident relating to your automobile.
Before an accident or loss
Preparation before an accident or loss happens will assist you during the claims process and ease stress. Pencil and paper in your vehicle to record names, addresses, tag numbers, insurance information, and facts of the accident or loss is essential. A disposable camera is very useful in documenting the scene of an accident. Have your auto insurance policy identification card available. Know what coverage your auto insurance policy affords and what actions are required of you after an accident or loss.
Preparation before an accident or loss happens will assist you during the claims process and ease stress. Pencil and paper in your vehicle to record names, addresses, tag numbers, insurance information, and facts of the accident or loss is essential. A disposable camera is very useful in documenting the scene of an accident. Have your auto insurance policy identification card available. Know what coverage your auto insurance policy affords and what actions are required of you after an accident or loss.
After an accident or loss
Remain calm. Panic or anger after an accident or loss will be unhelpful. In a serious accident with injuries immediate life saving first aid and dispatch of police and ambulance is paramount. For all accidents involving other vehicles, exchange of insurance information is critical. Names and phone numbers of witnesses for any type of loss may assist your company in the settlement of a claim. Notify your insurance company as soon as possible.
Remain calm. Panic or anger after an accident or loss will be unhelpful. In a serious accident with injuries immediate life saving first aid and dispatch of police and ambulance is paramount. For all accidents involving other vehicles, exchange of insurance information is critical. Names and phone numbers of witnesses for any type of loss may assist your company in the settlement of a claim. Notify your insurance company as soon as possible.
The claims process
Complete the required proof-of-loss forms from your insurance company. Your company will notify you within the state prescribed amount of time, in writing, if they intend to deny or investigate a claim. Once settlement to repair or replace the vehicle is established, the insurance company must pay within your state specific allotted time. It is the sole decision of your auto insurance company to settle or defend any lawsuit brought about by property damage or bodily injury you cause in a motor vehicle accident.
Complete the required proof-of-loss forms from your insurance company. Your company will notify you within the state prescribed amount of time, in writing, if they intend to deny or investigate a claim. Once settlement to repair or replace the vehicle is established, the insurance company must pay within your state specific allotted time. It is the sole decision of your auto insurance company to settle or defend any lawsuit brought about by property damage or bodily injury you cause in a motor vehicle accident.
Settling your claim
Before starting repairs, confirm coverage with your company. The car insurance policyholder has the right to utilize any mechanic or automobile body repair shop. Most auto insurance companies maintain a network of pre-approved facilities. Using one of these facilities may help expedite repairs since a relationship exists between the repair shop and the insurance company. Insurance companies will typically guarantee repairs made when an in network repair shop is used.
Before starting repairs, confirm coverage with your company. The car insurance policyholder has the right to utilize any mechanic or automobile body repair shop. Most auto insurance companies maintain a network of pre-approved facilities. Using one of these facilities may help expedite repairs since a relationship exists between the repair shop and the insurance company. Insurance companies will typically guarantee repairs made when an in network repair shop is used.
Company's right to reimbursement (subrogation)
If you are in an accident and the other driver is deemed to be at fault your insurance company has the right to recover the amount of damages it paid from the at fault party. Any deductible you paid is recoverable and payable to you. It is the sole decision of your company to seek reimbursement from the individual at fault or their insurance company.
If you are in an accident and the other driver is deemed to be at fault your insurance company has the right to recover the amount of damages it paid from the at fault party. Any deductible you paid is recoverable and payable to you. It is the sole decision of your company to seek reimbursement from the individual at fault or their insurance company.
A financial, material or any other type of loss involving your vehicle is the primary reason for maintaining your auto insurance policy. Understanding basic claim information promotes policyholder satisfaction after an accident or loss.
Author, Clifford J Schimek is President of Auto Plus Insurance, a family owned and operated Florida auto insurance agency. Visit here for auto insurance claims questions and answers or call 1-877-WIZ-AUTO.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Clifford_J_Schimek
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2565209
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