A PA Motorist’s Guide to Filing an Auto Claim

Close up hand holding smartphone and take photo at The scene of a car crash and accident, car accident for car insurance auto claim.

Being involved in an event with your vehicle, whether it was a minor or extensive crash, theft, or weather incident, is not an easy experience. Pennsylvania drivers have all been affected by accidents, even if it’s a slowdown on the Schuylkill trying to get to a Phillies game after another motorist’s incident.

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PA Auto Insurance Outlet has compiled a guide to help take some of the guesswork out of filing an auto claim. They are here to help ensure you have the best possible outcome after an unhappy event.

Obtain documentation at the site of the accident. At the time of the crash, obtain the other motorist’s insurance information and the police name and report number. Take pictures from as many angles as possible, as this will assist your adjuster in their part of the claim. If witnesses are involved, take down their names and numbers for your insurance company. If you have been seriously injured, please do not worry about this as you can obtain much of the information from the police department after your injuries have been addressed by medical professionals.

Contact your insurance provider. As soon as possible, contact your insurance provider and relay to them all pertinent information. Let them know the date, time of day, and where the accident occurred. Advise them of which vehicle was involved and the name of the driver. Share with them all the information you gathered above from the scene of the crash. Many insurance companies have the ability for you to apply for your insurance claim online as well. You may want to consider this if your incident occurs on the weekend or over a holiday. Do still inform your local agent if you use this option.

Work with your adjuster. Promptly answer any and all questions from your adjuster. You will usually deal with an adjuster over the phone, so be sure to keep their name and number as you may hear from them multiple times. Be sure your adjuster has all the photos and any other information you initially provided. They will handle the claim, from gathering information from the initial impact of the crash to working with the repair shop to determine whether your vehicle is a loss or repairable. Stick to the facts with them, and do not speculate or embellish the story; their job is to find a fair and honest resolution to your claim.

Receive adjuster’s report and accept payment. Once the adjuster has assembled all aspects of your claim, they will review all the information gathered. This will include the coverage that you and the other motorist carry, and the damages to the vehicle or vehicles. They will then provide an initial estimate of repair, if your car is not deemed a total loss. This will be sent to you and the insurance company. Once a decision has been reached by your insurance carrier as to what they will pay, you will be able to accept payment.

It’s critical to be ready for the worst — loss of your vehicle in the event of an accident or theft. We here at PA Auto Insurance Outlet know that your vehicle is used every day, sometimes multiple times throughout the day. Please know that we are here to help keep Pennsylvania drivers on the road, even during times of vehicle issues due to an accident or theft. Additionally, we want you to be aware that your policy can include help with rental car coverage and roadside assistance coverage. Call or contact us today to ensure your coverage is all that it can be.

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