Making the Claims Process Go Smoothly

Labor Day weekend has come and gone, but for many drivers across the United States, the work has just begun. That’s because, according to the Consumer Federation of America (CFA), there were an estimated 125,000 accidents over the holiday weekend. The CFA further estimates that about 75,000 to 100,000 insurance claims will be filed as a result of those accidents. While that seems like a large number of accidents over a three day weekend, AAA estimated that 33 million people took to the roads to travel at least 50 miles each.

So while it seems many people will be filing claims, we thought it a good time to look at what is needed for a claim so you can ensure you get the required information. Below we will look at five things for you to keep in mind to aid you in having a successful—and painless—claims experience.

A lot of times you are frazzled after an accident, so it’s good to be prepared ahead of time. To help drivers prepare, the CFA has a checklist you can use to keep track of information you need. And recently the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) created a WreckCheck mobile application so you can have the information on your phone.

“Most people are intimidated when they file an auto insurance claim, perhaps because they have never done it before or worry about getting less than they deserve for personal injuries or damages to their car,” said Mark Romano, the CFA’s director of insurance claims projects, in a CFA press release.  “Unfortunately, some insurance companies have begun using practices in recent years—such as computerized systems that don’t adequately consider the individual circumstances of each claim—that can result in an unfairly low settlement for consumers.”

Tip #1: Get Basic Information

Make sure you get the other party’s name, policy number, carrier, and a contact number for them, said Joan Zubiate of RDS Insurance Brokers in San Dimas, Calif.

“It’s disconcerting when an accident happens, so you want to remember to get the basics,” the 26-year industry veteran said. Have a form in your glove box, she recommends.

Tip #2: Take Pictures

Insurance companies used to tell people to keep a disposable camera in the car, but with smartphones you usually have one built into your phone, so you don’t need one. It’s a good idea to take pictures of the damage to cars and property and any signs of injury if you can, as well as the location and position of vehicles.

Tip #3: Don’t Give Personal Information

Part of the reason you need to know what information to get is that you need to know what not to give. Too many people give their personal information and put themselves at risk for identity or household theft.

“The last thing you’re probably thinking about following a car accident is protecting your privacy,” said Kevin McCarty, NAIC President and Florida insurance commissioner, in a press release. “Understanding what information to share, and with whom, will help keep you safe after an accident and decrease some of the challenges of filing a claim later on.

Tip #4: Don’t Leave Without Information

It doesn’t matter who is at fault, get the information of the other driver no matter what, according to Zubiate.

“Even if you aren’t at fault, get the information because you never know what could come out of the woodwork,” she said.

Tip #5: Keep Insurance Card in Vehicle

Keep your auto insurance identification card in your car and call the number right away after an accident. It’s best to directly call your insurance company, not the broker, because the company pays it out in the end, Zubiate said. A good reason to call from the scene is that the facts are fresh in your mind right after—and with everyone still at the scene of the crash you are more likely to get it all cleared up on this first call. And again, it doesn’t matter if you are at fault or not, call them right away.