Naturally, most Shawano area residents would prefer to avoid car accidents in the first place. Thus, most of you probably lack the experience with car insurance claims that we have gained in assisting our clients here at Feivor Insurance over the years. To make certain that you maximize the value of your coverage, learn to take the right steps to work with your insurer and us to settle car insurance claims fairly and promptly.
Settling Wisconsin Car Insurance Claims
Right after you have an accident, take sensible measures to prioritize safety. Certainly, seek medical attention when it’s needed first. For minor accidents, move vehicles to a safe place, like a parking lot or side street. It’s also a good idea to carry a couple of traffic cones just in case the damaged cars cannot move out of traffic. You can also dial 9-11 for immediate assistance from the police and paramedics. Even with minor accidents, you’ll want to file a police report because your insurer will use that information to help get your claim settled in a fair way.
Gather Information
First, make sure you exchange contact, insurance, and vehicle information with any other parties involved in the accident. Make certain you also make a note of the accident’s location and the police officer’s name and badge number because memories tend to fade quickly after a stressful event. Once your insurer takes over, you probably won’t have to talk to other drivers again, but you’ll want to have this information on file to provide to your agent. If you can, take photos of the damage to your vehicle and other cars.
At the scene, remain polite and helpful, but don’t admit fault. That’s for the insurance company or police to determine, based upon the facts. Even though you should offer your own contact information, only sign documents from your insurance company or the police.
Start Your Claim
As soon as possible, contact your insurance agent to start your claim. If you can’t drive your car, your agent can remind you how to get a rental if you have opted into rental replacement coverage. Now that you’ve started your claim and found temporary transportation, it’s time to put your policy to work to repair your car.
You may choose to obtain repair estimates on your own; however, your insurer may also offer a list of preferred repair shops that will help expedite approvals and communication. Once the insurance company obtains estimates, the adjuster on your case may tell you that they will authorize repairs or they have decided to total your vehicle. If they total your car, you will get a check for an agreed value instead of repairs.
Some policy owners feel disappointed when their insurance totals their car and only offers to pay the depreciated value of the vehicle minus any deductibles. These days, some insurance companies offer an option to cover your new car for the replacement value of another new car. Also, you may choose to purchase GAP insurance to pay the difference between your car’s depreciated value and any remaining balance on your loan.
Will Your Current Car Insurance Company Handle Claims Well?
Getting a car accident claim settled might sound complicated, but a reliable insurance agent will walk you through the right steps. If you’re not exactly sure what kind of coverage you have on your vehicle or if you’re paying a competitive premium, you can also contact a local agent right here at Feivor Insurance for assistance.
