There are many, many things that are unpleasant about a car accident, but having to deal with your auto insurance company after the fact takes the cake for many drivers. There's always a certain amount of fear that goes along with having to file an insurance claim, probably originating in the fact that you have to lay your future and that of your faithful, four wheeled companion in someone else's hands.
Your auto insurance company is going to be the one to decide whether they're going to repair your car or just declare it a total loss-but we're getting ahead of ourselves. You wanted to know what your auto insurance company was going to do after you total your car. Let's take it from step one.
As soon as possible after an accident you need to contact your auto insurance company to let them know. This phone call is the hardest part for most people. Relax! If your insurer is doing their job they've got a full team of professional, well trained claims adjustors standing by waiting for drivers just like you to call in with your claims. They understand you're upset and not thinking clearly, and they're going to work with you to go step by step through the filing process.
Your insurance agent is going to ask you about what happened (including who caused the accident), where the accident took place, when the accident took place and how much damage was done. This initial damage appraisal is just to give a heads up to their claims adjustors and help them make plans for your car. If the damage was minimal they'd help you make arrangements to have the repairs done. If the car's going to be totaled they're going to want to send a claims adjustor out to take a look.
If you have rental car on your insurance policy your agent will make the necessary phone calls to hook you up with a set of wheels while yours are in the shop. Since the cost of your rental is included in the premiums you pay every month you shouldn't have to pay anything extra for a car while yours is in the shop. Make sure you know your company's policies regarding rentals ahead of time; some will extend a car to you indefinitely, while others have set time limits on the length of their rental. Anything beyond that point you're going to be expected to pay for out of pocket, so it pays to know ahead of time!
As soon as they're able the claims adjustor is going to come look at your car and estimate the damage. If the cost of the repairs is less than the value of your car would be after the repairs they'll probably give a body shop the go ahead to start work (or write you a check for the estimated amount of the repairs, depending on your company's policies). If it's going to cost more to fix it than to buy you a new one they're probably going to total it, no questions asked.
The thing to remember is that your insurance company is going to take care of you after your accident, walking through the auto insurance claims process step by step and standing behind you every step of the way. Don't be afraid to pick up the phone and make that first phone call to get the ball rolling on finding the resolution you've been looking for.
Anthony M. Peck is the Senior Developer, Software Project Manager, and Director of Business Development for QuoteScout.com. For more information on your
Orignal From: What's My Auto Insurance Company Going to Do After I Totaled My Car?
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