Insurance Claims How Do They Work?
Filing an Insurance Claim
To file a car insurance claim, contact your insurance company online, by phone, or through their app immediately after the accident. A representative from your insurance carrier will call you as soon as possible once you have reported the incident. Make sure to state all the details to prevent any discrepancies. It’s also helpful to ask your insurance company about your plan coverage to know how much your deductible is.
Key Points
- Be sure to make note where your damaged vehicle is located
- Keep all documents such as: auto repair bills, official police report, etc.
- Check your insurance policy for coverage information
What is a Deductible?
A deductible is the amount you have contracted with your insurance company to pay out-of-pocket before they pay for any covered losses. If you get involved in a car accident, your deductible is subtracted from your claim reimbursement.
A deductible can be a fixed financial amount or a percentage of a policy’s total insurance coverage. The amount is determined by your policy’s terms, which may be found on the declarations (or front) page of most homeowners and auto insurance contracts.
I’ve Totaled My Car. Now What?
The extent of the damage to the vehicle will determine whether your insurance company will repair or deem the vehicle a “total loss.” Your insurance company may require a vehicle inspection to make this decision. This is to ensure that the insurance company equally splits the costs and your deductible with you.
Every insurance company is different in their assessments, as some may only require a simple body damage check or go as thorough as frame alignment inspection. It would be best to check with your insurance representative to confirm the next steps.
It’s easier to pay for auto repair and paintless dent removal with the help of your insurance company. They’ll be able to sort out the payments for you as long as you also pay the deductible of your claim. Contact us at Touch of Color Collision in Louisville, KY if you need help with a car insurance claim or auto body repairs after an accident.
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