5/31/2023
No one wants to have a traffic incident because it involves expenses, injuries and dealing with the insurance company. To find out how to report an accident to your car insurance, we tell you our experience.
When to report a traffic accident to your insurance company?
Although the time after the accident involves a lot of stress, the best thing to do is to call your car insurance company as soon as possible. Some insurance companies have limitations on the time frame for making a claim, so keep this in mind. Of course, this window varies depending on the insurance company.
Likewise, if you have to file a third party claim with the other driver's auto insurance company involved, you must adhere to the respective time limit. According to legal experts, you will need the policy information of the other vehicles involved, including the number and full name, in order to file the claim.
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How to report an accident to your car insurance?
Traffic accidents are common instances that you should know how to handle, especially if you are responsible for the incident. The steps to report an accident to your car insurance are as follows:
Check state underwriting laws
While there are some states that require no-fault insurance, there are others that do not.
When you reside in the former, you must report the incident to your insurance company, regardless of who was responsible. If you live in a state where the above does not apply, then you must report it to the insurer of the driver who was responsible.
Determine the type of policy you have.
It is also important to know what kind of car insurance you have. If you have minimum coverage and you are responsible for the accident, chances are that the insurance company will not be liable for much.
In the event that the other person involved caused the crash and this causes injury to you or property, then you should talk to the responsible party's insurance company. Some insurance providers give you the facility to report road incidents through their website or official app.
Gather as much information as you can
When you go to report an accident, you are going to be asked for certain details of the event. Having that information ahead of time helps you expedite the claim. Here's what you might need in these cases:
- Policy number
- Details of the accident
- Date and time of the incident
- Name of the insured driver
- License number of those involved
- Police report number (if available)
It can also be very helpful to collect information that can assist the insurance adjuster's work. This may include videos or photographs of the accident, as well as some statements from witnesses present.
Contact the insurance company
While it is essential to provide details about the accident to the insurance company at the time of reporting, it is best not to admit fault.
Without having all the evidence in the case, it is not always possible to identify who was responsible. An incident with an admission generates higher rates and a possible lawsuit. Therefore, you should only tell the facts.
Investigation of the insurance company
Whoever underwrites your car insurance will conduct an investigation of the claim. They may review the photos or videos you provide or send a representative to see the car. Most of the time, they have the right to see various records (medical, road, etc.). The important thing is to try to cooperate as much as you can.
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The insurer may ask you for sensitive information or to be examined by a doctor of their preference. A lawyer will help you understand the requests and not waive your rights by cooperating. Keep notes of the process, consult with your attorney in the event of a data request, and keep medical and repair bills.
Possible settlement or appeal
After the investigation is complete, you may be awarded the entire claim, denied, or given a lower amount than expected. If you appeal the decision, this involves more paperwork. Depending on the policy, the payment could be for medical expenses and other things.
Your insurance company has several ways to compensate you for your lost wages, injuries or suffering. Adjusters working for these companies use standard procedures to calculate different types of physical/mental damages.
How do you deal with rate increases after an accident?
Having accidents on your record makes you a riskier person for the auto policy, so your rates go up. To counteract this, we recommend:
- Look for other insurance. When your rates go up, it's a good time to find other alternatives.
- Increase your credit score. Not having a clean driving record makes your insurance more expensive. You can improve your score to save money.
- Take advantage of discounts. Rebates are a good way to deal with more expensive rates.
- Take a defensive driving course. Some insurers will give you a rebate if you take one of these trainings.
Now you know how to report an accident to your car insurance and you can count on Busconomico to help you save on your auto policy.
Español: ¿Cómo reportar un accidente a tu aseguranza de carro?