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What should I do at the accident scene? |
- Stop and assist anyone who is injured.
- Protect the accident scene and prevent further damages.
- Call the local police or California Highway Patrol and report injuries and nature of the accident.
- Write down the names of all persons involved, witnesses, license numbers, car descriptions, driver license numbers, insurance identification, and identity of investigating officers and other emergency personnel.
- Ask the investigating officer where you can obtain a copy of the police report.
- If you run into an unattended car or object, locate the owner or leave a note with your name, address, and phone number.
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How do I file an accident claim? |
- Each state has different laws that govern the claims process, so call your insurance agent as soon as possible in order to determine if you are covered for a loss.
- Your agent will tell you what forms or documents are needed and how to proceed.
- Be sure to ask about time limits, what is expected of you, and what you can expect from the insurance company if the accident was primarily your fault.
- Even if the damage is minor, you take a risk if the accident is not reported, because failure to report may cause your insurer to refuse to honor the policy in the event you are sued later by the other driver.
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What things affect my car value and repair costs? |
- There are standard guidelines usually found in a “Blue Book” to determine the value of your car for insurance purposes.
- A claims adjuster will verify the loss and set an amount that it will cost to repair the car.
- Your insurer will decide whether to repair your car or declare it a total loss and pay you the Blue Book value. A total loss is when it costs more to repair the vehicle than its cash value.
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Do I have to use only certain kinds of repair parts? |
- The company cannot require you to use only certain kinds of parts.
- If the company rates are based on one type for repairs and you want something different, you may have to pay the difference in cost if the part you want is more expensive.
- Ask your agent about the insurer claim settlement guidlines so you will know what to expect if your car must be repaired after an accident.
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Will my premium increase if I file a claim? |
- Generally, your premium will increase a small percentage for three years for each accident that is primarily your fault.
- Any delay in reporting will make it difficult for your insurer to obtain evidence to represent you.
- Even if the damage is small, you take a risk if you don’t report the accident. If you are sued weeks or months later and have not reported the accident, your insurer may refuse to honor your policy.
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What are my filing rights? |
- Your policy is a legal contract between you and your insurer, and is protected by California State consumer law.
- Contact your insurance agent if you have any specific questions about your rights under your policy.
- You may also contact the office of the California Insurance Commissioner, the California Attorney General’s Office, or the California Consumer Affairs Department.
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What if I have trouble settling a claim? |
- Contact your claim adjuster or your agent to express your dissatisfaction.
- Assemble documentation to substantiate your argument.
- Examine your policy for services offered to help settle disputes.
- Contact the California Department of Insurance.
- If you are still dissatisfied, call the National Insurance Consumer Helpline at 1-800-942-4242. The office is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET, Monday-Friday.
- Contact an independent arbitrator of the American Arbitration Association at 1-212-484-4000 or at http://www.adr.org
- As a last resort, you may wish to consult with an attorney who specializes in auto insurance.
- After your claim is settled, evaluate your auto insurance coverage with your agent to make sure that you have adequate coverage.
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