Information A Claims Adjustor Will Need To Start An Auto Insurance Claim
As you acquire auto insurance quotes, there are certain things you should be aware of as a car insurance customer. If you are involved in an accident, whether it is a minor parking lot collision or a major fender bender, there is certain information you will need to obtain at the scene. Your car insurance claims adjustor will ask for this information when you report the accident to the insurance company. Your claims adjustor will need the information in order to properly investigate the accident.
The claims adjustor will need to know the date and time as well as the location where the accident happened. The location for a parking lot accident includes the physical address, the city, and the state. Otherwise be ready with the name of the street where the collision occurred. Your claims adjustor may use overhead satellite software to view the scene, or they may travel to the location in order to perform a scene investigation. The location is very important because it allows the adjustor to observe any traffic controls and other features of the roadway which may be relevant to how the accident happened.
You should also attempt to obtain as much personal information from the other driver as possible. Ask the other party for their full name, mailing address and a phone number. If possible, write down their driver's license number. Definitely obtain their car insurance information, including the name of their carrier and the policy number from the proof of insurance card. Your claims adjuster will probably need to contact the other insurance company.
If the other party is not cooperating with an exchange of information or flees the scene, write down their vehicle's license plate number. The police and your car insurance claims adjustor will be able to perform a Department of Motor Vehicle search in order to find out who is the registered owner of the vehicle. Make note of the year, make and model of the other vehicle as well as where the damage on it is located. If you have a camera phone, then take a picture of the other car and its damages. It is also a good idea to record the vehicle identification number of the other automobile.
Auto insurance quotes do not fully prepare a policyholder for meeting their obligations following an accident. Be sure to keep a pen and notepad in your vehicle's glove compartment so that you are able to write down all of the information that your claims adjustor will need. It is also an excellent idea to keep a disposable camera in your car to take pictures of the other car, its damage, and the accident scene.
