I've just been in my first car accident! Thankfully no one was hurt, but I now need to make a claim with my insurance. I am at a bit of a loss. How do I make a car insurance claim?
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
We’re sorry to hear about your accident but glad no one was hurt!
Making a claim can seem stressful, but if you follow these steps to safely and responsibly make a car insurance claim, it shouldn’t be too big of a hassle.
Call the police. This will get a police report on the record, which you can send to the DMV and your insurance company. Also, the police can help injured parties and make sure both parties remain civil.
Document the accident. Take pictures of the accident and get the personal information of everyone involved in the incident.
Contact your insurer. Reach out to your insurance company to get help with the next steps. They will often direct you to a mechanic or help you get a tow or rental vehicle.
Work with your Claims Specialist or Insurance Adjuster. Once you’ve filed, a claims specialist will do interviews, collect data, and reach a conclusion of fault and costs.
Once your adjuster assesses the damage and payout, they will authorize the final payment.
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