Picture yourself driving along on a nice sunny day when you come to a stoplight. As you patiently wait for the light to turn green, BAM! Your car is rear-ended by a seventeen-year-old who was too involved in texting his girlfriend to stop in time. You and the other driver are by no means injured, but your car is looking worse for wear. You’re going to have to file an insurance claim now. Here’s what you need to do.
1. At the scene, make sure to call the police if anyone is injured. You’ll also need to file a police report, especially if the accident happens in public areas. If there is a fender bender on private property – such as a business parking lot, you will want to see if there are security personnel or witnesses who can attest to the cause of the accident. While waiting for the authorities to arrive, you can exchange insurance information, license plate numbers and contact information with the other driver.
2. Make sure to take pictures at the scene. Note the intersection or area where the accident occurred and take photos of your car and any other vehicles involve. Make sure to get all the angles of any damage incurred. Keep a disposable camera in your car if your cellular phone does not have a camera on it so you have this available to you in case of any kind of incidents.
3. Get in touch with your insurance agent within 24 hours of the accident. No matter who is of fault in the incident, you need to alert your insurer. If you are not at fault, contact the other party’s insurance agent after speaking with your own to advise them you are filing a claim with your agent.
4. Get an estimate of the damage and be prepared with a statement. You may have to go to a particular repair shop specified by the insurance company who will be fulfilling your claim. Make sure you know which repair facilities you can go to for the estimate. The insurance agent will contact you to hear your story on what happened. This will aid in filing and fulfilling your claim.
Hopefully, after all this, the insurance adjuster will fulfill your claim with little-to-no contest. Should a disagreement on the settlement arise, you and your insurance carrier will work together to figure out a solution.
This item was created by the source, which is solely responsible for its content.
Since 2001, Rick Puente Insurance has been providing the valley with outstanding rates and excellent customer service. By placing the customer’s needs above everything else, we are able to build a long term relationship based on trust, confidence, and respect.
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forKGBT