How to File an Auto Collision Claim

Getting involved in a car accident can be very stressful. There are many important actions that must be taken following the collision, including filing a claim with your insurance company to cover repairs to your vehicle. By understanding how the claims process works, you’ll be able to make the experience less overwhelming. The following tips will help ensure you know what to do.

Steps to Take Immediately Following the Accident

It’s important to gather proper documentation immediately following the collision to ensure the claims process goes smoothly. Make sure you take the following steps before leaving the scene of the accident:

• Call the police and request an officer come to fill out an accident report
• Exchange information with the other driver (name, contact information, driver’s license number, vehicle registration information, insurance information)
• Take photos of the damage to both vehicles
• Record the names and contact information of any witnesses

Steps for Filing an Auto Insurance Claim

There is a process that must be followed when filing an auto collision claim. Make sure you take the steps listed below.

Contact Your Insurance Company

You’re required to report the car accident to your insurance company in a timely manner. Answer the insurance agent’s questions honestly, but never admit fault. In addition, don’t sign any waivers without speaking to a lawyer or accept an initial settlement offer without confirming the total extent of the damage to your vehicle.

When you speak with your insurance company, you may need to provide the following details:

• Date, time and location of the car accident
• Name, contact information and insurance information for all other drivers involved in the collision
• Photos of the damage to your vehicle
• Details of the accident
• Copies of any police reports associated with the collision

Review Your Policy Coverage

It’s important to understand what your insurance policy covers. This will ensure you know what to expect from the claims process. Some important items to review include:

• The amount of your deductible
• Your coverage limits for each category of coverage you purchased
• Whether you have rental car reimbursement
• Whether you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (this may be important if you were hit by a driver with inadequate insurance coverage to pay for the damage to your vehicle)

Work with Your Insurance Adjuster

Your insurance company will assign an adjuster to handle your claim. The adjuster will typically contact you to schedule a time to evaluate the damage to your vehicle and discuss next steps. The adjuster may also ask you to provide any information you may have regarding the events of the accident, including photos, the police report and contact information of witnesses.

Get a Repair Estimate from an Auto Body Shop

You’ll need to get a repair estimate from an auto body shop. While your insurance company may recommend a collision repair shop, you have the right to work with the body shop of your choice. Once you receive an estimate, the insurance adjuster will compare their initial assessment of necessary repairs with the body shop’s recommendations in order to arrive at a settlement offer.

If your vehicle is fully paid off, the settlement check will be made out to you and you will be free to handle repairs in any manner you’d like. If you still owe money on the vehicle or if you lease your car, the settlement check will be made out jointly to you and the collision repair shop to ensure all necessary repairs are made. This step protects the interests of the vehicle’s lien holder.

Repair Your Vehicle

Once your claim has been approved and the settlement check has been issued, you can bring your vehicle to the auto body shop to complete the repairs. Keep in mind that you will be responsible for paying the deductible on your policy. This amount will be withheld from the final settlement check.

If your insurance policy includes rental reimbursement, you’ll be able to arrange for a rental car up to the daily limits of this coverage. If you choose a vehicle that exceeds this daily limit, you’ll be responsible for paying the difference.

Accurate Auto Body Can Help

Accurate Auto Body has been providing comprehensive collision repair services for over 25 years. During this time, we’ve earned a reputation as one of the top auto body shops in the Denver metro area.

We offer customized auto repair consulting that will provide you with a detailed estimate and an explanation of the different repair options available to you. Our team regularly handles insurance claims. We work with all insurance companies and have the experience necessary to ensure your claim is approved quickly.

When you work with Accurate Auto Body, you’ll benefit from our Focus on You Service System™, which ensures you receive:

• Personalized attention throughout the entire repair process
• Guaranteed pricing
• Faster turnaround times
• Flexible appointments to accommodate your schedule
• Guaranteed delivery dates
• Repair updates delivered in your desired method of communication (phone, text, email)
• Full auto insurance coordination

Schedule an Appointment

Please contact us today to schedule an appointment. Accurate Auto Body serves customers in Aurora and throughout the Denver area.