Being in a car accident can be a traumatic and stressful experience, and the aftermath of dealing with insurance companies and getting your vehicle repaired can feel like an endless headache. From filing claims to negotiating costs, the process of restoring your car to its pre-accident condition often involves significant time, effort and frustration.
However, with the right knowledge and preparation, you can successfully navigate the sometimes confusing world of car insurance and auto repairs. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the key steps to take following a collision, from reporting the incident to your insurer to getting your car back on the road.
Reporting the Accident to Your Insurance Provider
The first and most crucial step is to report the accident to your car insurance company as soon as possible. Most policies require you to notify the insurer within a reasonable timeframe, often 24 hours. Be prepared to provide key details such as the date, time and location of the accident, the other driver's information (if applicable), a description of what happened, and an estimate of the damage to your vehicle.It's important to stick to the facts when speaking with the insurance claims adjuster. Avoid speculating about fault or making assumptions. Simply state what you know for certain. The adjuster will then open a claim and begin the investigation process.
Understanding Your Coverage and Deductible
Take a close look at your car insurance policy to familiarize yourself with your coverage levels and deductibles. Collision coverage pays for damage to your vehicle, while liability insurance protects you if you're found at-fault and have to pay for the other driver's repairs and injuries.
Your deductible is the amount you'll have to pay out-of-pocket before the insurance company kicks in their portion. Common deductible levels are $250, $500 or $1,000. Choosing a higher deductible can lower your monthly premiums, but you'll have to pay more upfront after an accident.
Obtaining Repair Estimates
Once the claim has been filed, the insurance company will likely send out an adjuster to inspect the damage to your vehicle. They'll take photos, document the extent of the damage, and provide you with a repair estimate. Alternatively, some insurance companies do not have adjuster to go out to view property damage and in those cases, the insurance company usually requires the owner to take the vehicle to a repair shop or have it towed there for a damage estimate.
Keep in mind that your insurance provider may have a network of "preferred" repair shops that they recommend. While you're not obligated to use one of these shops, it can make the process a bit smoother, as the insurer and shop have an established relationship. Just be sure to do your own research on the shop's reputation and quality of work.
Negotiating with the Insurance Company
If the insurance company's repair estimate comes in lower than the quotes you've obtained, don't be afraid to push back and advocate for a higher payout. Provide the adjuster with copies of your repair estimates and explain in detail why you believe more funding is needed. Be polite but firm, and don't be afraid to escalate the issue to a supervisor if necessary.Remember, the insurance company's goal is to minimize their own costs, so they may try to low-ball you. Stand your ground and provide solid evidence to support your position. You can also request a supplemental claim if additional damage is discovered during the actual repair process.
Securing a Rental Car
Most car insurance policies include some level of rental car coverage, which allows you to get a temporary replacement vehicle while your car is in the shop. Check your policy details to see how many days are covered and what the daily/total limits are. Many insurers have partnerships with rental car companies, so you may be able to easily arrange a rental through them. If the rental coverage in your policy isn't sufficient, you can still get a car on your own dime but negotiating for reimbursement of a rental car prior to the conclusion of the insurance company's liability investigation can be filled with challenges, and you may therefore wish to wait for the at-fault insurance company at times to authorize the rental car directly with the rental car provider so that you will not have to seek reimbursement for a rental car.Monitoring the Repair Process
Once your vehicle is in the shop, stay in close contact with the auto body technicians and insurance adjuster. Request regular updates on the progress and timeline for completion. If any unforeseen issues arise that will delay the repairs or require additional costs, be sure to communicate that information to the insurance company right away.
Additionally, do a thorough inspection of the completed work before accepting the car back. Check that all the damage has been properly repaired and that no new issues have been created. If you're unsatisfied with any aspect of the job, don't hesitate to send the car back for rework.
Dealing with a car accident and insurance hassles is never fun, but by understanding your rights and responsibilities, you can help ensure a smoother, less stressful claims process. Stay organized, be persistent, and don't be afraid to push back if you feel the insurance company is being unfair. With a little diligence, you can get your vehicle back on the road soon.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer Today for Questions
If you or someone you love has been harmed in a car accident for which the other driver was at fault, contact Tien Law Firm today. Our North Carolina and California accident attorney serves clients in Raleigh, Durham, Los Angeles, and surrounding areas.