Tips on Handling Your Car Accident Claim With Allstate
Car accidents are both physically and emotionally distressing. Depending on the type of accident you're in, you need to deal with repairs and medical bills on top of your physical recovery. Hence, insurance is one of the most crucial parts of buying a vehicle. In the United States, most car owners are insured with Allstate – one of the country's largest auto insurance providers known for offering broad coverage options and a responsive claims service.
This article will provide essential tips for handling your car accident claim with Allstate. Read on to understand how to navigate the claims process effectively and have an increased chance of getting a smooth and fair resolution to your claim.
After the Accident: Steps You Need to Take
When you get into an accident, the first step you need to do is take stock of your physical condition and others who might be involved. Then, call 911 and report the accident. If you're severely injured, ask someone to call for help and wait for emergency personnel. Try not to move around to prevent aggravating any injury.
If it's a minor accident and you can move, get to safety by moving to the side of the road. Likewise, if driving your car is still safe, pull it to the side of the road to avoid causing hazards to other motorists. Then, turn on your hazard lights and wait for help to arrive.
If you can, take a video or pictures of the accident scene so you have evidence. Ask bystanders to be your witness and ask if they're okay with giving you their contact information in case you need to contact them in the future.
Wait for the police officers and do not discuss the accident or admit fault to just anyone on the scene. While we're on the topic, it would also be wise not to post any information on social media as it can affect the resolution of your claims. As soon as possible, seek medical care. You will need medical documentation when filing your insurance claim.
Documentation
Taking down pertinent information about the accident and everyone involved is crucial for a favorable claim resolution. After ensuring that none of your passengers or other people have injuries, exchange contact information. You will need to take note of the other driver's full name and contact details, insurance details, license and plate number, and the vehicle's type, model, and color. You also need to note the exact location of the accident.
Experts also recommend identifying the officers once they arrive; get their name and badge number. You should also get a copy of the police and accident report – insurance adjusters usually ask for a copy of this report when you file a claim.
File Your Insurance Claim With Allstate
While you're still at the scene of the accident, it's an excellent step to call Allstate if you're able. Doing this as early as possible will give you enough time to prepare all the documents needed to process the claim and know what to expect during the process.
If you prefer to call, remember that you will need to answer questions regarding the claims you are filing. This call is usually recorded, so never admit fault, and be careful with your answers. Any information you give the insurance company through this phone call can shift the blame to you.
You will be assigned an insurance adjuster once you file a claim. This will be an insurance representative who will investigate the accident. They will inspect the vehicle and assess the damage to determine fault and estimate the repair costs. Now, depending on your insurance, the insurance company will reimburse the cost of the repairs or give you actual cash value if the car has been totaled.
Understand Your Insurance Coverage
Understanding your insurance coverage is another vital part of an insurance claims process. When filing a claim, you need to know your deductibles – whether this is comprehensive coverage or just for collision. For example, if you have a $500 deductible for collision coverage, that amount will be subtracted from the total repair costs, and the insurance will pay the rest.
Most auto insurance will also include coverage for transportation expenses. These are costs incurred for car rentals while your vehicle is being repaired. Remember that this usually has a coverage limit.
Another thing you need to understand regarding your policy coverage is the amount of time you have to submit a claim. The insurance company usually has deadlines to file a claim and secure the necessary documents. If you submit your documents beyond this limit, you may no longer be eligible to receive money for vehicle repairs and medical bills.
Negotiate the Settlement Agreement
After investigation and assessment, the insurance company will make an initial settlement offer. This is usually lower than the value of your claim. But you can negotiate with Allstate and bring a counteroffer to the table. However, you need to understand the settlement agreement before signing it.
Make sure to check that the agreement covers all types of damages. So, you need to document all your medical expenses, total repair costs, and other expenses to know how much you can negotiate in the settlement. Remember that after you sign this agreement, you effectively agree to end all your claims. It's a legally binding agreement; you cannot demand additional money after the signed settlement.
Conclusion
Dealing with car accidents and filing an insurance claim is always daunting. But the key is to prioritize your well-being as well as the well-being of everyone who may be involved. It is also advantageous for you to be up-to-date about your policy and its coverage. Understanding the steps involved is essential. Handling your accident claim with Allstate becomes more manageable when you have all the necessary information and know how to talk to an insurance adjuster.
Also, remember that insurance adjusters work for the insurance company. Thus, they will try to get a favorable resolution for their company. Thus, it is crucial to have proper documentation for a fair and timely solution for your claim.
