If you were recently involved in a car accident for the first time, one of your first steps is to file an auto insurance claim. This is a request for monetary compensation in light of vehicular damage and physical injuries, and you'll file with either your carrier or the other driver's insurance agency, depending on who was at fault. Here's a closer look at what filing a claim entails and how to make the process easier.

What Do You Need Before You File an Auto Insurance Claim?

You must provide your insurance adjuster or the other driver's agent with evidence of the accident for the claim to have merit, including the names and contact information of every involved party. You should also have each applicable party’s vehicle and insurance information and the location, weather, and time of day of the incident. 

It's also wise to obtain a copy of the accident report and gather photos and videos of the accident scene, your injuries, and damage to your car. Provide the names and badge numbers of police officers who answered the 911 call and the contact information of any witnesses. 

File your auto insurance claim as soon as possible after the accident, preferably within the first couple of days or the first week. While there is no universal deadline for claim filings, delays can result in denial if a bad faith claim is suspected. There are also statutes of limitations if you are filing a personal injury or injury to property lawsuit, and these differ by state. In Georgia, you have two years to file a personal injury suit and four years to file a property injury suit to avoid case dismissal issues. 

What Should You Know When Speaking to an Agent?

Write down a list of questions you have for the insurance adjuster, such as what your policy or the other driver's policy specifically covers and what auto repair centers the agency recommends. Keep in mind that you have the right to choose the auto maintenance center that repairs your vehicle, even if the shop is not within the agency’s network. 

If the accident was your fault, and the cost of fixing minor damage to your own vehicle is about the same as your deductible, consider not filing a claim for yourself, as the reimbursement could raise your rates in the future. If the other driver was at fault, and you're working with the other driver's claim adjuster, you should still inform your agency of the incident. This is important because your agency will challenge the other carrier if the latter disputes your claim.  

For auto insurance claim services you can trust, rely on Wilson Insurance Agency. The independent insurance carrier serves residents throughout Dalton, Lafayette, Chatsworth, Ringgold, and Calhoun, GA, offering excellent coverage for low rates regardless of your driving record, age, claim history, or credit. Call (706) 278-0549 or visit the team online today for a free quote.