The hours, even days following a car accident can be full of confusing procedures. However, it’s important to follow the terms of your insurance carefully to protect the health of your car accident claim. If you have Allstate insurance, you should follow these steps:
Call the Insurance Company Right Away
After a car accident, you’ll take a few key steps such as making sure everyone is okay, calling emergency services, and receiving medical care. After you finish taking care of everyone’s medical needs, it’s time to call your insurance company.
When you call Allstate to file a claim, your agent will ask you to supply key information and documents related to your accident. You need to have the following information handy:
- Your policy number
- Driver’s license number
- License plate and title information
- Brief description of what happened
Know What Your Insurance Covers
Insurance law can be complicated, but it’s essential to have a working knowledge of how your coverage works. The following elements may affect your car insurance claim and the way you obtain reimbursement for your accident.
- The amount of your deductible. When you signed up for your auto insurance policy, you followed certain rules regarding your deductibles for coverage, such as comprehensive and collision. Know how much your deductible is, as this is the amount you will have to pay out of your own pocket before your insurance will begin to kick in. For example, if you incurred $1,500 in property damage and have a $500 deductible for collision, your insurance will ultimately pay $1,000 toward your repairs.
- Do you have optional coverages? Depending on the terms of your insurance policy, you may also have convenient coverage such as rental reimbursement services. This service provides a rental car while your vehicle is in the shop, so you can get from place to place, but read the terms carefully. In some cases, you may need to rent from a certain facility or stick within your coverage limits (for example, $40 a day).
Ask About Time Limits
When calling your insurance company, know what time limits apply. If you fail to provide documentation within the specified timeframe, your insurance company could deny coverage on a claim. Read the terms of your policy carefully and take notes during your conversation with an agent, so you know exactly what to expect following an accident.
Track Your Claim
Allstate gives you the option of filing a claim by phone or online. Once you complete the process, you will receive a claim number. You can use it to track the progress of your claim, as well as to identify any missing documentation that the insurance company might require.
Know How to Talk to Claims Adjusters
Once you file a claim, an adjuster will likely investigate the accident and evaluate the damages. These interactions could affect the amount of your settlement. Though it’s important to provide documentation to the insurance company to aid the claims process, offering too much information – or too little – could affect your payout. For example, a claims adjuster might request a medical release to ascertain the extent of your injuries following an accident. Wait until the full extent of your injuries manifests before signing any medical releases. This will better illustrate the damages you incurred.
When filing a claim following a serious or injury-causing accident, having the guidance of a Bakersfield car accident attorney can be helpful. He or she can help you file a claim, guide you through interactions with claims adjusters, and help ensure that Allstate insurance compensates you for the full extent of your injuries and property damage.