Here are the steps you'd need to take to file an insurance claim for various types of accident.
If you've been in an accident with another vehicle and your car is still operational, find a safe place to pull over out of the way of traffic.
Collect the driver's information - license plate, driver name and insurance information. Take pictures of the accident scene and your car from all angles. Ensure these are clearly labeled with the date, time and location.
Call 911 for police assistance or if there are obvious injuries to parties involved
If there are any witnesses, ask for their information and ask them to be present when you talk to the police to give their accounts.
Call the police and report the accident.
File a report with the DMV of your state. They will send you a statement that you need to keep with your file.
Pack up the car. Take pictures of the damage (from all angles). Label each photo and note what it is of (i.e., hood, trunk, front door). Make sure to take videos and notes or use a voice recorder while you pack up your belongings.
Your insurance agent will contact you to start the claims process which may take a few weeks.
To begin the claim process, your insurance company will take a look at all of the possibilities of causing damage to your vehicle. They have the right to first inspection, i.e., they can inspect any and all parts of your car or truck's body.
Subrogration means that in the event that another party (in this case the person driving the other car) has insurance, your insurance company has the right to go after that party's insurance company to be reimbursed for what you have paid. Be sure to read your policy on subrogation.
Below are some insurance terms:
Please note that the insurance company has a 14 day time period to make a decision on your claim.
You will have to pay for the cost of repairs unless you take your car to a repair shop that is affiliated with your insurance company. If you choose not to go through with the repair process, then this could be a very costly mistake.
You will have to pay for repair costs, including the cost of labor and rental car fees.
Deductible - You have the option to have a deductible. A deductible can range from $0 to several thousand dollars. This is the out of pocket amount you will pay towards your car repair or in some specific cases, medical costs.
Collision - This is the form of insurance that will pay for the repair if you are at fault in an accident. This is the only time that you will be able to come close to your actual value of car.
Comprehensive - This is the form of insurance that will pay for damage to your car through events such as hurricanes, theft and vandalism.
Read our guide to buying auto insurance here
It won't cover you if you are at fault for an accident or damage done from weather related events, which is some cases must be subrogated through home owners or renter's insurance.
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