You were just peacefully driving on your way home— and then boom! A distracted driver didn’t stop at an intersection and rammed into the front of your vehicle. Or, a driver rammed a platform truck into an office, injuring a few administrative officers.
Whatever the case, it can be confusing if it’s your first time making such an insurance claim. With that in mind, understanding the process of submitting an insurance claim helps.
Consider speaking to a trusted and professional insurance agent for a seamless claim process.
Here’s what you need to know.
How to Submit an Insurance Claim
If you’re covered for an auto accident, take the following steps to file an insurance claim.
Step 1: Call the Police
If the accident resulted in significant damage and someone was injured, inform the police. Although a police report is not required in all insurance claims, it is a bonus to your case.
A police report describes the accident scene and provides reliable evidence of what led to the incident.
Step 2: Document the Scene
You’ll need to document what you witnessed at the accident scene and record the available information from the parties involved.
Ensure you record the following information:
- Insurance policy numbers of the vehicles involved
- Name, address, phone number, and a photo of the driver’s license
- Year, model, make, and license number of the vehicles involved
- Pictures of the accident from different angles
If you were hurt and needed medical attention, attach the diagnosis, doctor’s report, medical examination, prescription, and bills for treating your accident-related injuries.
Step 3: Contact Your Insurance Provider
Once everyone involved in the accident is safe, contact the agent of your insurance provider to understand the next steps. The insurance agent will also explain the extent of coverage.
Ask your Insurance agent about the following issues:
- Timing: Ask the insurance agent whether your policy contains a time limit for submitting the claim and required documentation. Also, ask whether there’s a time limit for resolving disputes arising from the claim.
- Requirements to File a Claim: When filing an insurance claim, you might be asked to provide details of the location, involved parties, and contact information. Ask the insurance agent to give you the full list of documentation.
Step 4: File Your Insurance Claim
After gathering the necessary documentation and speaking with your insurance agent, it may be time to file the claim. Many insurers have an online platform or app that allows you to report and file a claim, upload documentation, check your deductible, check your status, and reserve a rental car.
Speak to an Experienced Northridge Insurance Agent for All Your Claims
You hold the right to receive a payment if you’ve fulfilled the requirements of your insurance policy. However, you can encounter delays or rejection if the documentation is incomplete.
Consider working closely with a professional insurance agent while filing your claims.
At Panorama Insurance Agency, we’ve been in the insurance industry since 1973, making us highly knowledgeable and experienced in claim matters.
Contact us online or call us at 818.797.9896 to speak to an agent.
