Exploring the Vehicle Damage Claim Process

What Is an Insurance Claim?

An insurance claim is a report of an event that you submit to an insurance company to ask for payment. You ask the insurance company to pay you because of losses that you sustain due to an event.

You take out an insurance policy to protect you in case an unexpected event occurs. An insurance claim is the process of telling the insurance company that an accident occurred and asking them to pay you for the losses that you have because of the crash.

Learning About Types of Insurance Policies

When you have an unexpected accident, it helps to familiarize yourself with the types of insurance policies that might apply to the case. Nevada is an at-fault state when it comes to car accidents, so it’s most likely that the person who is at fault is the one who pays for the losses.

However, you might also have uninsured or under-insured motorist coverage that may apply to protect you if the other side doesn’t have insurance or they don’t have enough insurance to cover your losses. Exploring the types of insurance that might apply in your case can help you determine what policy to look to file your claim.

Understanding Deductibles

A deductible is an amount of loss that you have to cover on your own before your insurance policy kicks in and covers the rest. For example, if you have $10,000 worth of damage and your deductible is $1,000, you can expect the insurance company to pay you $9,000.

The amount of your deductible may vary based on what you choose at the time you buy your policy. If you keep your deductible in mind, you won’t be surprised when your recovery is a bit smaller than you might expect.

Giving the Insurance Company Notice of the Complaint

The vehicle claims process begins by giving the insurance company notice of the complaint. You must tell the insurance company that an event occurred and you want payment.

Most insurance companies have instructions on how to submit a claim. You give the insurance company your contact information and some details about the accident. You wait for the insurance company to contact you for the next steps.

What Happens After I Give Notice?

The insurance company will usually have a representative, called an adjuster, contact you to talk about the case. They might agree to pay you immediately for your losses. But in most cases, they have follow up questions. They might need more information about how the accident occurred. They may also need more information about your losses.

It’s Important to Provide Complete and Detailed Information About Your Claim

Take the time to document your losses carefully. You should know about your medical bills, lost work, and other losses. Even with the best of intentions, the insurance company needs information about your losses if they’re going to offer you a fair payment.

Understanding the damages that you can claim and making sure that the insurance company has the information they need is critical to getting a fair payment for your claim.

Submit Notice of Your Claim as Soon as Possible

Many insurance companies have strict deadlines for filing a claim. It’s best to make your claim as soon as possible. Submit notice to the insurance company that an event occurred. That ensures that you’ve started the ball rolling promptly.

How Long Does the Claims Process Take?

For a simple claim, the claims process can take a couple of weeks. When fault and damages are apparent, you can have a check in your hand in just a few weeks. In other cases, the claims process can take several months.

Keep the Statute of Limitations in Mind

If the insurance company doesn’t agree to pay you relatively quickly, the case may drag on. The insurance company knows that if your case goes on for too long, the Nevada statute of limitations may prevent you from bringing a claim.

If it seems like the insurance company is dragging out the case and weeks are turning into months, it’s time to consider filing a formal claim in the appropriate court. Your attorney can help you determine if it’s time to file a formal complaint for recovery in the right Nevada court.

Remember There Are Policy Limitations

When it comes to the vehicle claims process, remember that the insurance company pays up to the policy limit. If you have $12,000 in damages and a $10,000 insurance policy, the insurance company pays up to $10,000. Remembering policy limitations can help you avoid surprises when you hear back from the insurance company about a settlement.

Fault May Increase Your Rates in the Future

If you’re at fault for the accident, your insurance rates may go up. In cases of drunk driving or other acts of recklessness, your insurance rates may increase significantly. Part of the claims process for a vehicle accident claim may be the adjustment of your insurance rates in the future.

How Can an Auto Accident Attorney Help?

The vehicle claims process can be complicated. If you’re in an accident, contact a skilled car accident attorney to discuss your case. Your attorney has the experience to help you understand how Nevada law applies to your case and what you can do to bring your insurance claim in the most successful way possible.