After an accident, you have to go through the property damage insurance claims process. The problem is that there’s a lot that goes into filing a claim. However, with the right knowledge and understanding, you could get the compensation you deserve.
To understand more about the property damage insurance claims process, take a look at the info below.
What Is a Property Damage Claim?
Auto Insurance property damage policies have various coverages for different circumstances. All policies must have a form of liability insurance that includes property damage liability. If your property has been ruined by a driver, that driver’s liability insurance will take care of your damages.
Insurance plans also include comprehensive and collision coverage. It applies to damages created by uncontrollable events like vandalism, fire, and acts of nature.
It also applies to when you are in a collision with another vehicle. Once you’ve been in an accident or notice that your property has been ruined, call local law enforcement to file a report.
A police report helps to determine which party was responsible.
The Options for Filing a Property Damage Insurance Claim
A property damage claim is the portion of your claim to repair your automobile. In some states, drivers are required to buy a minimum of $25,000 of damage liability insurance to cover damages caused to cars and property during an accident.
You also have the option to buy collision coverage when you purchase your personal insurance policy, which helps to cover the cost of repairs. Below are additional options to choose from when filing a property damage claim:
The Negligent Driver: If a negligent driver doesn’t have the minimum coverage required, you could take care of your claim with the insurance provider. You could also file a claim against the other driver.
Your personal Insurance provider: If you have collision insurance, it’s a good idea to put in a claim with your own insurance company as well. Let them try to get reimbursement from the negligent driver’s insurance.
The advantage of this is that you could settle your claim faster and have a more efficient process. On the downside, you might have to pay out of pocket for your deductible amount. It’s the amount that you pay prior to your insurance company covering their portion of the claim.
The negligent driver’s insurance provider: You could put in a claim with the negligent driver’s insurance company as well. The benefit of this is not having to pay out of pocket. On the other hand, it might take longer to settle your claim, especially if you incurred physical injuries.
The Property Damage Insurance Claims Process
There are particular steps to follow during the property damage insurance claims process. It doesn’t matter if you have a claim with your own personal insurance or the negligent driver’s insurance provider.
The steps include the following:
Report the Accident
When you file a property damage claim with the negligent driver’s company, you should report it to your own insurance provider. In this situation, you may be required to do it under your personal insurance plan. By doing so, it preserves your right to file a claim at a later time if need be.
File a Claim
Reach out to the insurance company and file your claim. Otherwise, you won’t get your damages covered. The property damage insurance claims process isn’t something you should do alone. When another person is liable for the collision, leaning on car accident attorneys is your best bet.
Receive Estimates
Lots of people are under the impression that they need to get price quotes for their car repairs. Unless the insurance coverage adjuster informs you to do this, you’re not required to.
The insurance adjuster will either schedule a time for you to bring your car to a specific inspection location. Or they’ll send somebody out to examine your vehicle and to create a basic repair price quote.
This process allows the adjuster to figure out whether to settle your claim by paying for the repair work or pay the replacement expense of your car.
Fixing Your Automobile
While the insurance provider can recommend a repair center to make your repairs, you don’t have to use the particular shop that they suggest. You have the right to choose where your car is fixed.
However, you might have to negotiate your settlement amount with the insurance coverage adjuster if your repair expenses are greater than the business’s price quote.
Replacing Your Car If it Is Totaled
If your car is totaled due to lots of damage, you might be entitled to the market price of your car before the crash. Of course, your car loses its value after a collision, but that doesn’t always play a factor. This is especially true if the collision wasn’t your fault.
Car Rental Expenses
You are entitled to compensation for the expenses of a car rental while your car is being fixed in the shop. You should organize your rental with the adjuster soon after you submit your claim. If you sue through your own insurance provider, you’ll only receive car rental reimbursement if you have rental protection in your policy.
Getting Your Payment
When your claim is settled, the insurance provider might send you the check for your auto repair work. On the other hand, they may send the payment straight to the autobody shop. You may be able to request how payment is received.
Signing Documentation
You may need to sign a release before you get your property damage claim check. It’s important to have a lawyer evaluate this info before you sign it. Doing so guarantees that you are not waiving your rights, such as the right to submit an accident claim.
Call a Property Damage Attorney
The property damage insurance claims process is a bit complicated. However, the best way to get through it is with an attorney. They can advise you of the key things you need to know to have a successful claim. When you’re the victim of property damage, you deserve compensation.
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