November 11, 2008

Beginners Guide To Submitting An Insurance Claim

by Susan Tanner

If youave never before submitted a car insurance claim, consider yourself very lucky! Unfortunately, for most drivers, the day will come when you find yourself in a jam, literally, and you have to deal with the insurance company. The following presents a step-by-step guide for dealing with this unfortunate situation.

To back up a step, there is one essential step you must take before you ever get to the point of submitting a car insurance claim. Itas of key importance to first get a cheap car insurance quote and to buy the insurance policy (preferably a cheap car insurance policy).

So, with your new policy in your glove compartment, and your insurance companies card with your insurance agents name on it in your wallet you head out on the wide open road. Of course you are driving carefully right? Wouldnat want to cause an accident and have your premiums go up.

You are driving along, happy with your new car and new, cheap insurance policy when all of the sudden you are hit by a car. First thing you want to do is get out and start shouting, because this idiot just hit your new car, but you remember what your insurance agent told you when you got the policya..call the police. The other person is screaming at you to not call the police, you calmly do it anyway. Just like your insurance agent probably told you, it is a lot easier for the claims department if you have a police report.

In case the accident WAS you fault, say you were changing lanes while fiddling with the radio and discussing the familyas Thanksgiving seating chart with cousin Betsy on your cell phone (aNo way! You absolutely canat sit Tom next to Rod, are you out of your mind?!a), you can probably skip that step. Itas likely the other driver will be more than happy to get the police involved.

Once the police are on the scene, follow their lead. If one or both of the cars need to be towed or moved out of the roadway, the cops will help you figure things out. Provide the police officers with whatever information they require, which is likely to include a look at your driveras license and proof of insurance.

So after what seems like forever you are released to go home. Truthfully you probably donat want to talk to anyone else at this point but trust me, this needs to get done immediately. Drag out your policy and make the call. Pop some popcorn and grab a drink because this might take a while. Be sure to have a pen and paper ready.

A representative from the company will eventually make their way to your call. Asking you the same questions the police did. Yes you have to tell the story all over again. You will want to give them a police report when you get it. You will want to know the details of your policy. If you donat they can help you with that. They can also help you find an adjuster or a body shop if needed. You should feel lucky; you made it out of the crash alive and also through your first claim. Congratulations.

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Filed under Auto Loans by Susan Tanner

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