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Because state laws dictate how long insurers have to settle a claim, it could leave a person wondering if they'll ever be able to move on with life after an accident. The words “as soon as possible” just don't settle nerves when it comes to car insurance claims.
If you are thinking about settling, be sure to have all of the paperwork necessary to prove your claim. Insurance adjusters normally take written reports from clients that involve the facts of the accident, like location, any witnesses, expenses from the accident and any medical treatment that resulted from the accident. You'll also need to give your adjuster proof of medical bills and a note from an employer verifying lost work days due to treatment. All of this will eventually result in settlement of a claim.
If you have added the numbers with an amount for pain and suffering, also referred to as general damages, you should know about how much your claim is worth. The next step is to write up a demand letter to the insurance company explaining why your claim should be settled for a specific dollar amount.
As with any claim, don't just sit back and wait for a settlement; make sure your voice is heard. Contact your adjuster on a routine basis. Because your claim is typically just one of hundreds of insurance claims adjusters deal with, letting your adjuster know that you are on top of things is sure to make them take notice and put make your claim a higher priority.
If you can't seem to make the adjuster listen to you, like many businesses, the next step is to contact their supervisor. There are a lot of steps in settling a claim before coming around to the final settlement, but your adjuster should listen to your concerns. Depending on how complex your settlement is, a claims adjuster can usually speed the process along with company attorneys and whomever else is involved. An adjuster can't work wonders, but they should never avoid or put off returning endless phone calls for weeks at a time. If after talking to a supervisor you're still not satisfied your claim is being handled properly, consult an auto accident attorney or the National Insurance Consumer Helpline for advice.
When it comes time to repair your car, there are several things to consider. First, are the damages more than your car was worth in one of the Blue Books? If so, it is likely that your insurance company will file your claim as a total loss and you will have a few more options. Your insurance company will most likely provide a quote for a vehicle that was similar to purchase from a dealership within a certain vicinity or explain fully in writing the amount that the insurer would offer you.
If your car's damage was substantially less than the value of the car, your insurer will recommend getting several quotes for the damages so there are more options. Although the insurance company can't require insured parties to use certain types of auto repair parts, they can specify that the car have the same value as it had prior to the accident. If the replacement parts are more expensive than the original manufacturer's parts, you may be asked to pay the difference.