Being involved in an auto incident is a guaranteed stressor. Emotions run high, the mind races, everything learned in driver safety and education class, not to mention all those helpful pamphlets given by the insurance provider when gathering the auto insurance quote, flies right out the window. Remembering what to do and what not to do when involved in an auto accident is a key component of later success when filing a car insurance claim.
All of the information given when filing the car insurance claim should have been gathered at the scene of the incident. This is the first common mistake drivers make when filing car insurance claims-failing to make accurate notes of the incident, including noting down details of the other driver, their vehicle, their driver's license number and insurance policy number, recounting the weather, the speed limit, and all other important details that could lead to a more successful resolution of the claim. Failure to make accurate notes can later appear to be lying when the policyholder's recall of the situation does not match up with the other party's recollection of their involvement. Accuracy is key in obtaining a fair and successful claim resolution. This was most likely explained at the time the auto insurance quote was generated, but it is easy to forget when in the midst of an auto accident.
The next common mistake drivers make when filing a car insurance claim is to leave the scene of the incident before getting a police report of the accident. This protects against the other party later trying to shift blame. With an accurate third party objective report of the incident, there is less grey area for the others involved to shift blame and less reason for the policyholder's insurance company to doubt the accuracy of the details submitted for the claim. The other big mistake commonly made by drivers while filing a car insurance claim is to proceed with getting repairs completed prior to receiving approval from the insurance company. The insurance company has certain regulations that they require before releasing approval to what amounts to spending their money for claim reimbursement. Generally, they require that an estimate be obtained from an estimator of their choosing. Then they require the work to be done at a facility they endorse. If either of these two requirements are not met, the claim may be denied.
When it comes to filing a car insurance claim, remember to always stay at the scene of the incident and take accurate notes, wait for a police report, and follow the insurance company's process for authorizing repairs. This will ensure the best and fastest possible resolution for all auto insurance claims.
