Filling out an auto body insurance claim can be a pain. You are in an agitated state, running late to wherever you have to be, and have car repairs to think about. Now you have to go through forms with jargon and fill out reports. We know how difficult it is to find the headspace to fill an auto insurance claim on your own.
In this guide, we will outline the basics steps to filling out an auto insurance claim, working with a body shop, and getting the most out of your coverage.
Assess Your Own Health and Those Involved in the Accident
Safety comes first. A traffic accident, no matter how small, can be traumatizing and require a few deep breaths to get into the headspace you need to take some difficult steps. Your first step should be to make sure you are safe and sound. After ensuring your safety you can then see if others have been injured in the accident and provide assistance if possible.
Determine If You Need to Call an Officer
In California you are required to contact the police if there has been any injury or property damage. If you are unsure if there is someone hurt or not it is best to call 911 and talk to the dispatcher to determine if an officer or ambulance is needed. For minor accidents under a certain threshold, documenting the accident through photos will suffice.
Open Your Insurance App or Give Them a Call
Most insurance companies offer built-in car accident insurance claims right into their mobile applications. This is a much easier way to get your car accident insurance claim started but you may face hurdles in knowing what to fill in the application if instructions are not clear.
Calling to speak to a representative of your insurance company is also an easy to find assistance in filling out your car accident insurance claim but it comes with its own risks. You could end up on hold for a prolonged period of time or in such a situation where you cannot stay on the phone and handle talking to your agent while assessing the aftermath of the accident.
If you don’t want to deal with things alone and need help filing an auto body insurance claim, give us a call and we can take over.
Take Photos and Videos as Directed by the Insurance Company
Before the vehicles involved in the accident are moved, make sure you can take high quality photos with your smartphone to document the damages. Take photos and videos of the entire scene.
Filling Out Your Claim Form
The first thing you should check after ensuring everyone is safe is that the other drivers involved in the collision are insured. The state of California requires all drivers and vehicles be insured, so be sure to involve law enforcement if they are not insured.
Next you will need to exchange your name and contact information with other drivers involved as well as witnesses. After all of the information is collected and looked over again to check for any discrepancies.
Please note that all drivers involved in the collision will be filling out their own auto insurance claim, so be prepared to repeat some of your information to multiple sources.
Remember to never admit fault during a car accident and let the law enforcement, courts, and your legal representatives decide.
Find Which Auto Repair Center You Want to Work With
The earlier you find a trusted insurance-approved auto body shop, the sooner you can get your car back on the road. You can ask your insurance company which approved car repair shop is closest or you can trust AutoLux Collision Center to safely tow, repair, and deal with the insurance companies on your behalf.
Trust the five star rated experts who ensure you get the most from your coverage and save yourself the hassle of haggling with your insurance provider. AutoLux Collision Center will provide collision repair insurance claim assistance, using their years of experience to fight for every dollar. Depending on how forms are filled out, it can mean the difference between hundreds of dollars so it is important to get work with a shop that will fight for you.
Filling Out a Collision Repair Insurance Form
Your collision repair insurance claim form is for your insurance company to assess the damage done to your vehicle and the parts and labor cost associated with it. Each insurance company can have a different form, but they generally contain the same core parts. Your auto body shop will do a much better job filling out the collision repair insurance claim than you because they are certified and much more experienced.
They will be responsible for double-checking all information to then send it over to the insurance company so they can reimburse your repairs. It is best to leave your insurance work to your body shop so they can use their expertise to get the most out of your coverage.
FAQ
How long does an auto insurance claim take?
Depending on how quickly your body shop can submit their auto insurance claim, it may take 2 to 4 months or more if it goes to court. You are entitled to demand your compensation which you pay monthly to insure. It is important to be adamant about being paid on time.
What documents do I need for an insurance claim after an accident?
Depending on what kind of accident occurred you will definitely need:
– Claim Form
– Insurance Policy Copy
If there was any harm done, then you may also need
– Police Report
– Medical Records
Do insurance companies cover frame damage?
Your insurance company may just pay you out if your car is fully paid off and fully insured due to the severity of frame damage on cars. If the frame can be repaired to a safe and functioning state, then your trusted car repair shop can file for coverage.
