Vehicle accidents can be costly, but filing an insurance claim will help you receive compensation. Taking the proper steps ensures you receive the right amount for your damages, so review the brief guide below before calling your agent.

What to Do After an Accident

Call your insurance company as soon as possible after an accident, as waiting longer than a week can negate your claim. Have your policy number ready, as well as your vehicle information and details of the accident, including the other cars and drivers involved and the name and badge number of officers at the scene. Your insurance adjuster will most likely request a copy of the accident report from the police department.

After the claim is filed, a claims adjuster will assess your damages. They may ask for a Proof of Loss form as well as photos of the accident and resulting damages.

If you're determined at fault, the incident will be placed on your record and filed as a first-party claim. For incidents where you're found to be partially at fault, you may also see a rise in your premium. You can always file a complaint if you feel you've been assessed as at-fault in error.

For accidents where you’re not at fault, you'll file a third-party claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. The claims process then goes through them and affects their premiums instead of yours.

Steps After the Claim

Once your claim is processed, you may receive compensation for damages to your car. If you have a deductible, you'll need to reach that amount first, unless you’re not at fault and file the claim with at-fault driver’s insurance company.

For injuries, benefits can include medical costs, even if you caused the accident. Specific policies may also cover caregiver costs and lost wages if you're unable to work.

If your claim is denied, you have the option to appeal. Denials happen for various reasons, ranging from not having the right coverage for the incident to waiting too long to file. Since appeals vary between companies, speak with your agent about next steps.

When you need an affordable insurance policy in the West Valley region, contact Schaller & Thomas Family Insurance. Located in Peoria, AZ, this licensed insurance agency offers a wide array of coverage, including home and auto insurance as well as business and life insurance. As an independent agent, their partnerships with top carriers make it easy to find the right policy for your situation. Call (623) 580-8688 for a consultation, or visit them online for a look at their options.