If you are involved in an automobile accident and have to file a claim with your insurance company, there are some certain things you should expect no matter if you have a local company or online auto insurance company.

Calling the Company: After an accident, determine the best time to call your local or online auto insurance company. If it was a small fender bender with damages clearly less than the amount of your deductible then don't bother calling. You won't gain anything by notifying your local or online auto insurance company and are simply giving them a reason to raise your premium. Each accident you report goes on your record and will increase your payments.

Some auto insurance companies offer accident-forgiveness, so inquire about that when shopping for auto insurance quotes. Most companies, however, will raise your premium even if it was just a small accident and even if it was not your fault. So, determine if it is financially worthwhile to call your company. Of course if there is significant damage or personal injury, you will definitely contact them. Most local and online auto insurance companies have a hotline number listed on your insurance card or proof of insurance.

Meeting the Claims Adjuster: When you call your local or online auto insurance company, they will send out a Claims Adjuster to inspect the damage and fill out a report regarding the accident. This may occur at the scene of the accident, but more than likely the Adjuster will contact you a short time after. The Claims Adjuster is sometimes referred to as Claims Representative, Insurance Adjuster or Claims Investigator. The Claims Adjuster will do the following:

• Interview you to gather all the facts regarding the accident. They will ask detailed information about you and the other party.
• They will document all facts and review the police reports (if any). Plus, they will take a number of photographs and possibly video.
• Review your policy to determine what is covered. This will depend upon the coverage you purchased and other specifics. 
• Determine the amount of your claim, and then rule whether the company will decline the claim or issue payment. 

The Other Party: If the driver of the other car issues a claim, or if you have a claim against another driver's insurance, they will send out a Claims Adjuster as well. Be aware that the motivation of the other party's claims adjuster is to save his or her company money and will work for the lowest claim possible. Be sure to have ample documentation of all quotes for medical bills or repairs. Do not agree on any settlement before either talking to a lawyer or the Claims Adjuster from your own local or online auto insurance company.

The customer service provided by online auto insurance companies is equal to that received by local companies. When you shop for auto insurance quotes online, you will get cheap rates without compromising quality service.