Should I Call My Insurance After an Accident?

A car accident can be disorienting. Understanding the proper steps, especially concerning insurance, is important. Taking the right actions helps manage the situation and prevent future complications.

Reasons to Contact Your Insurer

Contacting your insurance company after an accident is important, regardless of severity or fault. Your policy is a contract requiring notification of any incident involving a covered vehicle. Failing to report promptly can violate policy terms, potentially leading to a denial of coverage.

Insurers require prompt notification, often within 24 to 72 hours. Delaying this can complicate the claims process, allowing the insurer to question legitimacy or argue prejudice to their investigation. Early reporting aids thorough investigation.

Prompt reporting activates various policy coverages. These include collision coverage for your vehicle, liability coverage for damages to others, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage if the other driver lacks sufficient insurance.

Notifying your insurer also protects you from potential future liability claims. Initiating a claim establishes an official record, which helps defend against unexpected claims or resolve misunderstandings.

Information to Gather Before Contact

Before contacting your insurer, gather specific details at the accident scene. Collect comprehensive information from other parties, including their full name, contact information, insurance company, policy number, and vehicle details (make, model, license plate).

Document accident specifics: date, time, location, and environmental factors like weather and road conditions. Take clear photos and videos of vehicle damage, car positions, and other details like skid marks or road signs.

Assess and document any apparent injuries. Even if minor, seeking medical attention is beneficial, as some injuries manifest later. If witnesses are present, obtain their names and contact information.

If law enforcement responds, secure the police report number and officer’s name or badge number. This report provides an objective account and is foundational for claims. Organizing these details ensures accurate information for your insurer.

The Contact Process and Next Steps

After gathering information, contact your insurance company. Do this as soon as possible, typically within 24 to 72 hours. This promptness ensures policy compliance and facilitates a smoother claims process.

Most insurers offer multiple ways to report an accident, including hotlines, mobile apps, or online portals. Be prepared to provide collected details: date, time, location, information about other drivers and vehicles, and police report numbers. Have your insurance policy number ready.

During this initial call, provide a factual account without admitting fault or speculating. Your representative will assign a claim number; keep it for reference. A claims adjuster will then be assigned as your primary contact throughout the process.

The adjuster may provide immediate instructions, such as advising against discussing fault or authorizing repairs before assessment. Adhering to these instructions is important to avoid negatively impacting your claim. This initial contact formally reports the incident and starts the claims process.

What Happens After Your Claim Is Filed

After your claim is filed and an adjuster assigned, the process enters an investigative phase. The adjuster gathers information, reviews police reports, and may interview parties or witnesses. This investigation determines liability and assesses damages.

Vehicle damage will be assessed. This involves the adjuster reviewing photos, obtaining body shop estimates, or conducting a physical inspection. Based on this, the insurer determines repair costs or if the vehicle is a total loss (repair costs exceed actual cash value).

Once damage assessment is complete, repairs can be authorized. Your insurer may have approved shops, or you might choose your own. Understand how repairs are managed and what your policy covers regarding parts and labor.

Liability determination is a significant aspect, dictating which party’s insurance covers damages. In fault-based systems, the responsible person is held liable.

Finally, a settlement will be negotiated for vehicle damage, medical expenses, and other covered losses. Before accepting, a release of liability form is typically required, concluding your right to pursue further claims. Throughout this process, maintain clear communication with your claims adjuster.