Insurance Lawyer in Chicago, IL
If you were involved in a car accident, you must submit a claim to your insurance company to receive money for your losses. If you’ve never filed this type of claim before, you may be a little unsure about the process. Knowing what to do when you have a car insurance claim can definitely help you avoid stress and increase your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve. Here are some tips for filing a car insurance claim.
Contact the Police
The first thing you must do after a car accident is call the police. They will come to the scene of the accident and thoroughly assess what happened. They will put all the information in their report. You can ask for a copy of the police report, which will help with your claim. Additionally, the police can contact ambulances for serious injuries and provide protection if the other party turns difficult.
Call Your Insurance Company As Soon As Possible
It’s important to notify your insurance company that you have been in a car accident right away. Waiting too long to contact your insurer will just delay the claims process. If you don’t inform your insurer right away, they may also deny your claim. When speaking to your insurance company, ask them exactly the documents they need to proceed with your claim, such as medical records or auto repair bills. You may also want to ask them if you are covered for the losses, how long it will take to process your claim and if your policy has a time limit on filing a claim.
Choose the Right Auto Body Shop
Every insurance policy has different limits and deductibles. You should ask your insurer about settlement amounts before you take your vehicle to an auto body shop. Your insurance company can also give you a list of repair shops that are backed by repair and labor guarantees.
Keep Records of Your Expenses
If you have been in a car accident, you will likely incur several expenses afterward. For example, you may have car repair bills and physical therapy bills for the injuries you suffered during the accident. It is crucial to keep records of all of these expenses in a safe spot so that you can get reimbursed for them later.
Provide Your Insurance Company With the Needed Information
Once you get a hold of all the documents your insurance company asks for, you should send them in as soon as possible. The sooner they receive this information, the sooner they can begin processing your claim.
If you follow these tips, you should be able to file a car insurance claim much more smoothly. However, if your insurance company denies your claim, you shouldn’t panic. Depending on the reason for the denial, you may be able to appeal. Schedule a consultation with a qualified insurance lawyer in Chicago, IL today to discuss your case in detail.
Contact Childress, Loucks & Plunkett for their insight into insurance claims and how to file a car insurance claim.