As a driver, if you are fortunate enough, you will never get involved in an accident. However, even those experienced and careful motorists can find themselves agitated by the roadside. This happens while they are evaluating damages after an accident.
When you have to file a car insurance claim after an accident, it’s important to comprehend how the process works. You need to be well informed about your car insurance policy.
Understanding what to expect, can make the process more smooth. Besides, It can ensure funds for repairing your car are received without delays. You may also enquire from your insurer if they need you to report a claim within a given time. The best auto insurance firms incorporate good services comprising a proper claims experience at fair prices. You can check this site for the cheapest car insurance. Every insurance company conducts the claims process a little bit differently though most steps are the same. Here’s how the car insurance claims work;
The Time Limit For Submitting A Claim
You can consult your insurer regarding the time limits which may be in place for the submission of a claim. Ensure you submit the claim and the required documents within the stipulated time. Failure to do so, you may not be able to receive money to help pay for medical bills and vehicle repairs. The deadlines for submitting claims may also differ depending on the claim you are filing. For instance, the timeline you need to file claims for a car may be different from filing claims in regards to personal injuries. The time frames may vary from one insurer to another.
Why You Need to Contact The Police After a Car Accident
You will have to notify the police soon enough and it’s not only in the event someone gets injured. The reason being, you need the police report which is also very crucial. It will be among the major components the insurance investigator will use when analyzing your claim.
Information Needed to Make a Car Insurance Claim
In case you want to claim your car insurance policy, You’ll need to have specific information and documents to help hasten the process. They include;
- Registration number of the vehicle(s) affected in the accident.
- Your policy number
- Details of those involved, including any other motorists’ insurance details, contact information, addresses, and names.
What Can You Claim For On A Car Insurance Policy?
There are 4 main types of claims you can make after an accident;
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Physical damage to the car
This includes the sophisticated nature of the repair needed and the magnitude of the damage. Also, If your insurer has a chosen mechanic or a body shop. All these can influence the duration the claims process will take.
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Personal injury
This is where you or another person is injured at the time of the incident. And if the injured party needs further medical assessment or treatment, this can delay the entire claims process.
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Cases of Theft
In case your automobile is stolen, the insurer investigates once you have reported it to the police. Therefore the period it takes to process the claim mainly depends on the length of the investigation.
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A Total loss
With this, the cost of repairs may be considered uneconomical by your insurer or your car may not be repaired. In this case, the time it will take for the claim to get processed relies on how soon you and your insurer decides on a concession figure
The Duration It Takes to Process a Car Insurance Claim
It is difficult to estimate the exact time frame it can take to process a car insurance claim and the time you will get your compensation. This is because different circumstances are affecting the process. They comprise whether you or any other parties entailed admits the fault, if you were injured and how serious the wounds are. And also, the type of claim you make.
Reasons Why Car Claims Are Withheld
There are moments the car insurance claims process may be unsatisfying. The popular reasons for the denial are;
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Failure To File a Claim On Time
The Insurance companies do prefer having clients file claims within the shortest time possible. It is important to do so before the accident witnesses vanish or the damages get muddied. States may impose strict deadlines for making the claims, which can be anywhere from one to twenty years.
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The Accident Was Preventable or Avoidable
The insurance company can withhold the claim if it believes the accident is avoidable. For instance, allowing an unlicensed motorist to operate the vehicle.
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Delaying The Medical Care
Soon after an accident, you may not understand the entire extent of the injuries. If you delay treatment for the injuries for a long time, the insurance company may be skeptical of the claim. This can lead to an investigation and possibly denial. Thus it’s vital to state the facts after an accident.
Ensure you do not attempt to speculate about what transpired if you are not certain, or choose to accept fault when at the scene. Further, the claims process is not the moment to talk more. Consider not over-sharing since too much information can influence the outcome of the claim.
Contesting a Rejected Claim
Is it possible to contest a rejected claim? You can appeal a rejected claim by calling your insurer’s objections department. It can be by email, post, or phone and undergo the standard protocol. However, If they cannot resolve your claim you can speak to the Financial Ombudsman Service over the phone or online. This can be done within six months of coming to a claim stalemate.
Or, you can visit thirdpartyinsuranceclaimsingap
Any decision the Financial Ombudsman Service makes is compelling for the insurer. This implies, they will have to approve your claim if the ombudsman declares so. Still, it will not be binding for the client. Meaning, if the ombudsman does not consent to your claim you can take the insurer to court. Consider taking this step if you are convinced your insurer is acting irrationally. Before you go to court, carefully scrutinize the policy papers to ensure your claim is legal and you haven’t halted any terms they have set out.
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