4 Basic Steps To Take When Filing Car Accident Claims MD
Being involved in an auto accident is the last thing you wanted to do today. Even so, that’s how things turned out. What will you do? There are some basics that need your attention now and during the next several days. These four will aid you while preparing to file car accident claims MD and what to do once the claim is completed.
Contact the Local Authorities At Once
Your first order of business is to report the accident to the local authorities. Ideally, this can be done while the vehicles involved are kept in position. The local police will respond quickly and begin to take statements from everyone involved. Once the statements are completed, everyone will be free to have their vehicles towed or drive away if their cars can still be used.
It’s important to provide as many details about the accident as possible. That’s because your insurance provider will need a copy of the accident report. Typically, it will be available to you within a couple of business days at the most.
Followed by a Call to Your Auto Insurance Provider
While you wait for the police to arrive, put in a call to your auto insurance provider. Explain what’s happened so that a case can be opened. If possible, take and forward images of the damage to the insurance company representative. This may aid in making the processing of the claim easier.
While you may not be filing the fill claim right now, opening a case makes it possible to provide some basic information that can be fleshed out later. Many car accident claims MD go beyond what you report. They will include other details that are supplied by the local police and by the appraiser who evaluates the condition of your vehicle.
Arrange for the Vehicle to Be Appraised by an Approved Professional
Your insurance provider likely has appraisers who can evaluate the condition of the vehicle and provide an idea of what it will take to repair it. Many providers have a list of locally approved appraisers who happen to work with repair shops that accept your provider’s coverage. You may find that one of those will work fine for you.
Keep in mind that you do have the right to seek out an appraiser on your own. This could add a few steps to the process, but it’s not unusual for insurance providers to accept client requests on this front.
Decide What You Want to do Next
Once the appraisal is completed, a copy is supplied to you and to the insurance provider. Depending on the current value of the vehicle versus the cost of repairs, the provider may approve payment for the work to be done. There’s also a chance that the cost of repair will exceed the car’s value. In the latter scenario, you could keep the car, but paying for the repairs would be your responsibility.
Should you decide to accept the provider’s findings, authorize the repairs. In the event the provider wants to offer cash for the vehicle, be prepared to surrender it. You can then use the cash to purchase a replacement.
Remember that car accident claims should be initiated as soon as possible. Prompt action on your part translates into being able to be back on the road without any unnecessary delays.