Deductible

• One important aspect of an auto insurance claim is the deductible. The deductible is a set amount of money you are responsible for paying before your insurance kicks in. Once you pay the deductible, the insurance company generally covers the rest of the cost of repair or medical bills, depending on your coverage or policy. In some cases, you might not want to file a claim because of a high deductible. For example, if you have a minor fender bender but have a high deductible, it might be cheaper for you to just pay for the repairs out of pocket. Low deductibles typically have higher insurance premium costs, but are worth it if you are in an accident that will cost a lot of money for repairs or medical bills.
  
  

Car Rental

• Check to see if your insurance policy covers car rental costs so you have a car while yours is in the shop getting fixed after the accident. Many policies do include this coverage, and the insurance companies work with specific car rental agencies so you can get into a different car the same day your own car goes into the shop. Most coverages have a maximum allowance per day; you often cannot rent the most expensive car on the lot and have it covered by your insurance. The auto insurance company might pay for the rental up front, or might require you to pay, then send you a reimbursement check. Call your insurance provider for details and to add this coverage if you do not already have it.
  
  

Police Reports

• Most insurance companies will ask you for details of the police report from an accident when you file a claim. If you have not filed a police report, you are likely required to, especially if there are other drivers involved or if there are any injuries. Minor claims, like a windshield crack from a rock on the road, typically do not require police reports, but the majority of claims do. When an accident occurs, you should first check to ensure everyone is okay, then get to a nearby safe place and call the police. They will fill out the paperwork to create the police report. Obtain the officer's name, his badge number and the police report number if possible for when you file the claim.
  
  

Claims Affect Your Premiums

• Keep in mind that when you file an auto insurance claim, it might affect the rate you pay on your auto insurance premium. The changes will not take effect until the next insurance term starts. Insurance coverage terms usually last for six months, and they renew automatically unless you cancel or miss payments. Auto insurance companies usually raise the rates for people who file claims, especially multiple claims, because they view those drivers as high risk, and charge more to compensate for the money the company pays to cover accident costs when you file a claim.
  
  

Filing a Claim

• To file a claim, simply call your auto insurance provider, or fill out a claim form online at the company's website if available. A claims representative will follow up with you to get details about the accident and guide you through the process of getting all repairs and medical procedures (if necessary) set up and taken care of.