Car insurance is a necessity in order to help the participants in a vehicle collision or some other incident relating to a vehicle. The physical damage and injuries that stem from these accidents can be very serious and life-changing. For these reasons, it is mandatory for drivers to have auto insurance. Decatur GA drivers who are involved in an accident will move through the insurance process as described below.
Starting the Claim Process
Immediately after an accident, it is important to begin the claims process. The first step in this process is often making a phone call to your insurance company. The insurance company will gather information you provide about the crash which then leads to the establishment of your claim. The claim will then be assigned to a claims adjuster.
Work of the Claims Adjuster
The work of the claims adjuster involves evaluating the details of the accident, examining your coverage, determining at fault parties, and paying out on the claim according to your auto insurance policy. Claims adjusters work with witnesses, the police, and those involved in the accident to arrive at conclusions. After the adjuster has determined the appropriate settlement in the case, he or she will issue a payout in accordance with the coverage amounts, deductibles, and policy limits.
Insurance companies only pay for actual damages and not for undamaged items. For instance, if the side mirror was damaged in the accident but the rest of the vehicle is fine, the insurance company will only pay to replace your side mirror.
Paying the Claim
The insurance company will pay the claim an amount based on the deductible. If your deductible is $500 and the insurance company assesses the damage to your vehicle as $3,000, the insurance company will give you a check for $2,500. After your auto insurance company issues you a check to cover the damages, your claim is officially closed.
Working with an independent insurance agent can help you get the type of insurance coverage you need for your vehicle. An independent agent can present you with personalized options that cater to your specific needs, instead of a one-size-fits-all policy.
