Nobody wants to meet an accident while on the road particularly if you’re behind the wheel. It’s the least we would like to encounter the reason why most of us take extra care when driving regardless of the weather condition. If you are the owner of the car and want to claim for damages, you should report the accident to your insurance company at the first opportunity. This will officially set in motion the claim process.
Being prepared can prevent stress after an accident. Keep a copy of your insurance policy in your car; it will make the post-accident process much easier. Since most mobile phones come with a camera, take a shot of the scene, after you are out of danger. You are required by law to have your insurance and driving license in your Car. It is always a sensible option to go for a comprehensive insurance policy for your car which covers the own damage risk including third party and PA cover.
Call your insurance company immediately after a crash to start processing your claim; your insurance company's phone number is likely staffed 24/7. You will likely be contacted by your claims representative within 24 hours to discuss your claim. Fill up the Claim Form yourself keeping in mind the vehicle detail should not contradict to that of Proposal Form. You also need an estimate of repair of your damaged car from the workshopper. The estimate is important in partial loss cases.
Your insurance company will need information to process your accident claim. Every insurance providers offer Claim form that can help you get organized while gathering information. You may need information from the other drivers involved, and nearby persons whether your car is damaged and how badly. Do take the opportunity to take photos of the scene of accident. Make sure you take close up shots of where your car was hit and the other vehicle involved as well.
After this initial check on your car policy coverage, the adjuster/surveyor will physically visit the accident site, talk to witnesses or refer to the police complaint if any to decide on the claim amount. The regulations also states that the adjuster/surveyor should submit the damage assessment report within 30 days of the surveying the damage.
If your claim is simple that is there is no ambiguity or the damage was negligible, then the adjuster/surveyor settle the claims fully. But if your claim is complicated that is if the liability is uncertain, or if your car insurance does not have adequate coverage or simply you do not agree with your adjuster's/surveyor's settlement offer, then this is when you should begin negotiations.
When to preempt the adjuster's/surveyor's settlement:
Usually it is the insurance company that makes the first move to offer you a settlement on your claim which could be all, or part, or in worst cases even nothing none, will typically be on the low side. Usually, the adjuster/surveyor will return to you with a counter offer which will be predictably lower sparking off a series of negotiations. If you feel that your claim has been unfairly denied, read on to find out the other options before you. Luckily if you reach an agreement then it is ok but when he gets to the top of his range that he usually has there will be no further offers and there is an impasse.
However, there is a word of caution. Whatever the course of action you decide to take on reaching an impasse remember that it should be based only on facts and made at the right time.