Settling Auto Insurance Claims

The Easiest And Quickest Ways Of Settling Car Insurance Claims Without Hassle; A Brief Guide.

Settling car insurance claims can be an issue, especially if one isn't knowledgeable about the steps to take. Some of the procedures that need to be completed may seem like common sense, but forget one and it will throw the entire operation into a tailspin. Refer to this article to make sure no key elements in settling the claim are overlooked. The first step is to gather information and see your doctor. This means going to the ER immediately after the accident, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent, but if you don't see a doctor early, it can be almost impossible to get the insurance to pay out on medical claims. Make sure that the doctor you see is NOT the one hired by the insurance company but a personal doctor, this will save much headache in proving the claim. Also, write down the details of the accident as quickly as possible afterwards, so that no important details are left out. It is also important to take pictures of the accident for your own records.

Make sure to keep the pictures saved in a secure place and use them if necessary to prove the damage to the vehicle/vehicles involved that the insurance pictures may not cover. Do not give a recorded statement to the insurance company. The only reason the company tries to require such nonsense is to have something to use against the claimant in cross-examination. The claimant is not required to submit, so do not do so. Make sure you know the statute of limitations on the type of claim that is being pursued. Either contact a lawyer or use google to figure this out, although, contacting a lawyer is a better option, because otherwise important information may be overlooked, such as a more specific statute of limitation as opposed to the more commonly-known or general statute. Never lie when asked about the case, being forthcoming and honest is the best bet and the best way to insure the claim is settled in a satisfactory manner. This is not to say that information not asked for should be offered, but when asked a question, do not lie, it will be found out.

Also, do not sign a medical authorization or provide prior medical records. If medical records are needed, do not allow the insurance company to request them, go and get them and provide them to the insurance company without allowing them to violate your medical confidentiality or find further fuel for a counter-claim. Collect all evidence of the damages and injuries suffered, to both the claimant and the vehicle, and any lost wages or other useful information. Provide these to the insurance company in an indexed file and listed chronologically. Without an attorney, it is very difficult to give a fair estimate of what the claim should be, so send a demand letter without an amount and let the insurance send a settlement offer. It is possible to negotiate if the settlement offer is not fair and will not cover the damages, injuries, lost wages or suffering endured as a result.