If you were recently in an accident and need to submit a claim with your car insurance company, following the proper procedure will ensure your claim is filed correctly. Hummel & Plum Insurance Agency has been providing Chillicothe, OH, and surrounding areas with quality insurance products since 1904. Below they’ve outlined the steps you can take to successfully file a car insurance claim. 

How to File a Car Insurance Claim Correctly

Call the Police

Regardless of the reason for filing, you will want the police to create a record of the incident. If you’ve been in an accident, call them to the scene. They will document the details of the incident. If your car was damaged while stationary or items were stolen, file a report at the local police department. Take pictures of your car, and bring in documentation of comparable items to the stolen goods.

Exchange Car Insurance Information

After an accident, record the details of the other party’s license plate, driver’s license number, phone number, insurance carrier, and carrier’s phone number. Remember that it is your responsibility to provide this information to your insurance company. If your car was damaged on someone’s property when you were parked, be sure to collect any insurance information from the property owners. 

Contact Your State BMV

Certain states require that drivers report all accidents to the police as well as the state Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Ohio requires you to report a motor vehicle accident within six months if a person was injured, one of the drivers doesn’t have the appropriate automobile coverage, or there is at least $400 worth of property damage. You can contact the Ohio BMV at (844) 644-6268.

Contact Your Car Insurance Company

Call your car insurance company as soon as possible. The insurance carrier acts as your representative, so accurately communicating the details of the accident helps them effectively correspond with the other party’s carrier. 

Work With Your Claims Adjustor to Settle the Claim

Once you’ve filed a claim with your car insurance company, you will be assigned a claims adjustor. This specialist will record details of the accident and work with the other party’s insurance carrier on your behalf to address damages or medical claims. They will keep the claim open until your medical professional has finished treating you. 

If you’ve recently been in an accident and are not sure how to correctly file a car insurance claim, it helps to have a trusted advocate. Hummel & Plum Insurance Agency’s team will assist you with all of your insurance needs. Call them today at (740) 773-1620 or visit their website for more information.