The process of claiming car insurance begins with a car accident and if you are the owner of the car that has an accident, then you are advised to file an insurance claim with your insurance company. In general, the claim process is carried out by adjusters /surveyors's by providing a report of the extent of damage caused to the car at the time of the accident. Based on the report, your insurance company will decide the amount to be paid to you. If you are satisfied with the claim provided by the insurance company then the case is closed. If you are not satisfied, then start negotiating with your insurance company.
How do you negotiate with your insurance company? Before you start negotiating, you need to ascertain the value of your losses so that you can request proper insurance payments from the insurer.
• You have the right to get Help. If you are not satisfied with the amount decided by the insurance company, then you can take the help of a car lawyer before you start negotiating with the insurance company.
• Collect Facts. Find out facts about accidents experienced by you and your car, not just your own memories. Look for information from people who were in the vicinity of the crash site (precisely at the time of the accident). Collect witness statements, especially news that has been reported to the police (it may also be collected by the police themselves), and be consistent with your story, especially if someone else says something different. This will be one of the main keys that could help you be credible in the adjuster’s eyes.
• Important mistakes that are always repeated, finding out who is guilty. Whose fault is that? If it is clear the mistake was made by another driver, liability may not be an issue. However, if you have a part in the error, the first step you should take is to check your country's comparative negligence laws or contributors before you start negotiating. You need to know the applicable laws and be obeyed in your country of residence. There are regulations that apply stating that your partial liability for accidents that occur will prevent you from recovering money altogether. But there are also regulations that apply the opposite, rules that allow you to be able to get a percentage of your damage.
• Identify Your Injury. Were you injured after a car accident? If you have an injury and cause some of your body to be injured, go to the hospital immediately and check what you are experiencing. Request the results of the examination, and submit your medical report stating your temporary permanent disability.
• Make sure you know what you can claim. What expenses can you claim as a result of the accident? You are required to notify your adjustments of your lost income, medical expenses you have paid, and other expenses incurred due to accidents such as loss of your spouse's income, transportation costs etc...
Insurance companies will obviously do a lot of ways to earn money by paying you less money on your claims. Therefore you should understand the whole process of car accident claims and their value is not just accepting what they offer you. If you're not sure what to do, then think about hiring a lawyer to handle the claim for you.