We understand that car insurance can be a bit challenging for most people.
Why? Because of the numerous rules that exist in the world of car insurance.
Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered. We will not only educate you on the dos and don’ts of car accident insurance claims, but we’ll also take you through the entire claim process.
That’s right. You’ll no longer have to dread the car insurance claim process.
Now, let’s get started.
The Dos of Car Accident Insurance Claims
- Always ensure your safety: If you were injured in a car accident, make sure you are treated before you initiate the car accident claim process.
- Make sure you understand everything about your car insurance policy: Relax, collect yourself, then approach your insurance company with all the required details.
- Remember to cooperate with your insurance company: Try as much as possible to provide all the required information. Most importantly, be truthful and clear with your communication. Always ask questions if something is unclear.
The Don’ts of Car Accident Insurance Claims
- Don’t fear the claim process: Many people are worried the claim process will not go their way. As long as you have the facts, there is no need to worry.
- Don’t misunderstand fault determination: Fault determination is the part that most people dread. You must explain the accident as it happened. Nonetheless, you can always go through the entire process with the claims officer if you are not satisfied with the verdict.
- Don’t ever do repairs without claim approval: You have no idea how many people make the mistake of initiating repairs before their insurance companies approve their claims. Such a mistake will cost you a lot.
You can continue reading to see how these points work together in the claim process. Anyway, are you looking for auto insurance in Nova Scotia? Visit Surex.
Understanding the Car Accident Claim Process
The claim process is not as complex as you may have pictured it. Allow us to prove how you can handle the process for the best possible outcome.
Step 1: Fully understand your car insurance coverage and policy
Most people know very little about their car insurance policy. The only things that seem to concern many people are the monthly premiums.
Do you know what your policy covers? Do you know your rights as the insured? What are the limits to the policy?
Take the time and sit down with your insurance agent. Allow him/her to explain everything about your specific insurance policy. Take notes if you have to.
Step 2: Handling your accident report
Unfortunately, accidents happen. When they do happen, it’s up to you (the insured) to claim compensation from your insurance company.
“How do I claim my insurance for car accidents?” “How long do I have to report an accident to my insurance company?”—Those are some of the questions we’ll answer in this section.
After an accident, you have a maximum of seven days to report the accident to your insurance company through your agent. We’d advise you to report as quickly as possible to kickstart your claim process.
What happens if I don’t report the accident on time?
Well, some insurance companies are strict and depending on the terms of your policy, they might refuse to honor your claim.
Here are some of the crucial details you need to provide when reporting:
- Your policy number.
- All the details about your vehicle like make, model, and license plate number.
- The other driver’s name and the license number of his/her vehicle.
- All the details on the accident like date, time, location, number of casualties/passengers, and extent of injuries.
- The badge number of the police officer who was responsible for the scene.
Visit for more information on the details required when reporting a car accident to your insurance company.
What’s next after reporting an accident? A claims adjuster will reach out to you and prompt you to fill a Proof of Loss form. The form helps the adjuster in determining how much you can claim as compensation.
Step 3: Fault determination
Fault determination is a process solely performed by your insurance company to determine who was responsible for the accident and damage.
Please note that fault can be shared. Yes, both drivers can be at fault. It might be 50-50 or even 30-70.
How do insurance companies determine fault?
They use a set of rules called The Insurance Act and Fault Determination Rules.
These rules have over 40 different car accident scenarios that apply to any road accident.
You are in a bad place if you are found to be more than 50% at fault. Most likely, your premiums will increase after your next policy renewal.
Note: Be careful with who drives your vehicle. If that person gets involved in a car accident, it will be recorded in your books.
What if you disagree with your insurance company’s verdict?
You can always contact the insurance company’s complaint officer and, together, you can go through the entire fault determination process.
Step 4: Claim approval
Your insurance company has two options depending on the extent of damage to your vehicle.
Note: They will always go for the option that is “cheapest” for them.
- They will either compensate you for the cost of repairing the damage.
- They will either pay you the current cash value of your vehicle at the time of the accident.
What about your car insurance deductible?
Car insurance deductible refers to the part of the claim that you pay from your pockets.
Let’s say your claim amounts to $1,500 and your deductible is $500, your insurance company will only pay $1,000.
Note: The only time you can evade your deductible is when you’re not at fault for the accident. Or if you were partially at fault for the accident.
What if I’m not satisfied with the claim?
You can always sort it out with the claims adjuster.
Step 5: Repairs
Note: It’s only safe to repair your vehicle after your insurance company has approved your claim.
From there on, you are free to repair your car at any repair shop. Nonetheless, it’s always best to do the repairs at the partner repair shops (If any).