How to Settle With an Automobile Insurance Company
- 1). Report the accident to your insurance company using the telephone number provided on your monthly bill. Inform the insurance company as soon as possible about the mishap, ideally within 24 hours. The exact instructions for what to include on your claim will differ depending on the insurance company and the state where your policy is held. If you contact the police, maintain a copy of the police report for later.
- 2). Wait for the claims adjuster to examine your vehicle after your report has been received. Once the claims adjuster provides an estimate, you can then file your claim and pursue repairs for the vehicle. If you are also filing a personal injury claim, you will need to be examined by a doctor as soon as possible. If the doctor finds an injury related to the auto accident, he will need to write a letter in support of your claim.
- 3). Receive your claims settlement from the insurance company and decide what to do with it. If you find the settlement acceptable, use it to pay for your car repairs and any medical care that may be necessary. If the company denied your claim, or offered a settlement for what seems to be an amount lower than the policy should cover, you can begin the appeals process.
- 4). Gather and organize all documents related to your auto insurance claim. This includes the original application for a claim, receipts for spare parts, repairs and other information. The documents created by the claims adjuster will also be important when you file your appeal. Make copies of everything and keep the originals for your records. If you were injured, documents related to the medical care you received will bolster your case.
- 5). File an appeal with the auto insurance company. Try to minimize the time that you spend speaking on the phone to insurance agents. Restricting correspondence to letters creates a paper trail, which can increase your chances of filing a successful claim. Be polite when speaking with insurance company representatives, but don't be deferential or passive. Insurance representatives will sometimes try to use emotionally manipulative tactics to encourage claimants to drop their appeals.
- 6). Consider hiring an insurance lawyer. A lawyer will be able to assist in organizing your documents, examining them for errors and in properly filing appeals. If the claim goes to court, a professional lawyer will be able to assist you in making your case successfully. Many law firms specialize in auto insurance claims.
- 7). Send in additional appeals if your initial ones are denied. Request that any physicians who provided medical care to you write letters in support of your claims. Check all insurance documents for errors such as billing mistakes and failure to cover claims that are clearly delineated in the insurance agreement.
- 8). File an insurance claims lawsuit with the assistance of a lawyer if your appeals fail to change the decision of the auto insurance company. In most cases, the insurance company will elect to settle with you, although they may not be obligated to reimburse your legal fees.
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