How a car insurance claim is filed and with whose company it’s filed, is dependent on two things; the nature of the accident and who caused it. Filing a claim can cause an increase in your insurance premiums, but paying out-of-pocket for damage that you caused can prevent that increase. You’ll want to file a claim if you are involved in an accident that results in costly damage and medical expenses. Filing a claim on your car insurance isn’t a difficult process when you follow a few simple steps.
Call the Police
The first step in filing an insurance claim is to call the police and file a police report. Most insurance claims require a police report in addition to other supporting documents, such as photos from the scene of the accident. Never admit any guilt or responsibility for the accident before the police arrive and be sure to take clear photos of all the damage, including any bodily injuries. It’s also a good idea to take statements from any witnesses, as well as their contact information.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company right away, either from the scene of the accident or at home. Have a copy of the police report handy when answering questions from your insurance provider. Make sure you know your vehicle identification number (VIN), details about the other car and driver, and be able to accurately recount what happened during the accident.
When it comes to understanding car insurance QLD, iSelect.com.au breaks down what you need to know about Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance and Comprehensive or Third Party cover. All Australian drivers are required to carry CTP insurance, also known as Green Slip insurance, which covers liability in the event you are at fault for an accident that injuries you, your passengers, or other drivers or pedestrians.
You’ll need to carry Comprehensive or Third Party insurance in addition to CTP in case you are liable for an accident resulting in your own property’s damage or that of someone else. Always read the fine print in your policy to avoid any surprises, choose value over price, ask for any discounts that you know you deserve, and compare policies with other providers before automatically renewing. The consultants at iSelect.com.au can provide free, helpful advice when it comes to finding the right amount of coverage that suits your needs.
Work With Your Claims Specialist
Insurance claims are assigned a claims specialist or adjuster who will speak on your behalf to third parties, other insurance companies, and other parties involved in the accident. The adjuster investigates the circumstances of the accident and works to settle the claim and get your car repaired. They will contact the garage where your car has been taken to and review the cost of repairs. Depending on the extent of repairs, your adjuster may arrange a rental car for you, take care of any personal injury claims payments, and approve costs for repairs.
Letting an adjuster handle your claim saves you time and headaches, especially when you are busy running a business. Many professionals are tempted by the idea of working for themselves and the freedoms that come along with being your own boss. Becoming an entrepreneur takes a lot of hard work, self-motivation, and careful planning. Approximately 20 percent of businesses fail in their first year, and only half reach the five-year mark.
Trading Costs offers useful advice for entrepreneurs who want to increase their odds of success. Working smart and hard means learning project management skills by completing a PMP certification course, finding investors who can provide a financial safety net, and building authority into your niche with high-quality, original content related to your brand. Accept the possibility of failure by maintaining humility, and consider all of your entrepreneurial options, such as opening a franchise. While you work hard to run a successful business, your adjuster will work smart to get you through the claims process quickly and effortlessly.
Repair Your Car and Close the Claim
Be sure to take photos of your car before and after it’s repaired for your records. You need to wait for the green-light from your insurance adjuster before authorizing any repairs. In the event, your insurance company doesn’t specify a garage and you don’t have a preferred one, ask your adjuster for a reliable recommendation. After the repairs have been completed, follow up with your claims specialist to let them know you’re satisfied and ready to close your claim. If your car was totaled and you purchase a replacement, let your insurance company know, especially if you will continue to use the same provider.
These are the steps you need to take following a car accident when you need to file a claim on your car insurance.
