All auto accidents are not identical. For instance, a vehicle that has a cracked windshield due to a stone bouncing up is not quite the same as a totaled vehicle with an injured driver and not just in terms of severity. Insurance companies also categorize accidents based on the damages qualified for by a driver and thus categorize accident claims.
Look through the following to look at advice on claim filing, how accidents are handled by adjustors and to learn more about what exactly is the nature of claims for auto accident insurance, before you actually go on to file a claim.
Claims for Injury
You have to file a bodily injury claim if you get injured during the course of a truck or car accident. In most such accidents, those who get injured file a claim with the insurance company of the driver who is at fault. However, if you were a passenger or you reside in a state where liability insurance covers personal injury, you have to file claim with your insurance company.
The adjuster will evaluate the compensatory damages and calculate how much your claim is worth, once you appropriately get in touch with the insurance company. Special damages including wage loss and medical care or other economic losses and general damages including suffering and pain or other non-economic injury form part of compensatory damages.
Claims of Damage of Property
This includes damages to property and vehicles that occur during an auto accident. A vehicle hitting a mailbox to one crashing into a house are examples of such damages have occurred. The damage has to be compensated by the insurance company of the driver who is at fault. In such cases, the car and not the driver is primary for determining the liability.
You should file a claim for damage of property as soon as possible. If you go through your insurer, you may have to pay a deductible. However, you can avoid that by contacting the insurance company of the driver at fault, especially if the fault in the property damage claim is quite clear. You have to file a claim with your insurance company if the fault is not clear. If the other driver is found to be at fault, your insurer will return the deductible amount.
Claims for Windshield Damage
Comprehensive coverage for auto insurance covers claims for chipped, cracked or scratched windshields. However, it can be somewhat difficult to decide whether filing a windshield claim is worth it or not. You have to look at your auto policy and enquire from your adjuster about the following:
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How much is your insurance deductible?
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How much is the cost of repair of the damaged windshield?
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Will your premium be altered after filing the claim for windshield repair?
Your adjuster will go through your policy to make sure that coverage exists for the repair of your windshield. You can have your windshield replaced or repaired once your claim is cleared. Apart from the deductible, your insurer should compensate for the repair cost.
Third Party Claims
You can go through the insurance company of the other driver involved (third party) or through your own insurance company when you file a claim for auto insurance. If you think the other driver caused the accident, filing a third party claim is the best option.
However, it may be somewhat difficult to communicate with the other driver’s insurer. That is mainly because you are not their customer and that may create a few challenges. Also, third-party companies may try to refuse claims citing insufficient evidence. In such cases, you may seek advice from an attorney dealing with bad faith insurance claims.
