You are cruising along the highway feeling good about life, then all of a sudden there’s a unexpected fender bender. inevitably Dealing with auto insurance claims is like trying to solve a puzzle with a few pieces missing. But don’t panic Golden State Auto Rates walks you through it one step at a time so that you can glide right on through.
First things first – pick up the phone and call your carrier pronto. Round up the necessities: insurance information, driver’s license and a detailed summary of what happened here. Think of it as your very own whodunit – accuracy counts!
Now, when you talk with your insurance representative, he or she will throw around terms like “deductible.” What does that mean? It’s the amount you pay before your insurance coverage kicks in. This is critical knowledge, akin to knowing the cover charge before entering a nightclub.
After that step is done, it’s time to get quotes for repair. Makes sense to collect several. As in shopping for the best bargain in a sale bargain. Whether from a well-known collision center or the local repair shop multiple estimates help steer your decision. The cheapest price may help you save now, but could cost you more later.
What if you need wheels while your car is being repaired? If your policy includes rental reimbursement, you’re in luck. Consult your insurer to know what your options are. But on the contrary, if you’re going to be riding high or if it’s going to be like being stuffed into a closet just make it understood.
Last but not least before calling it a day double check all paperwork carefully. The fine print seems very important. Any mistakes may mean lighter pockets for you. It’s a matter of making sure everything adds up, down to punctuation marks.
Patience is a virtue in the claims handling process. Keep all lines of communication open, besure to set the terms for your treatment, and don’t let anything stop you. Every claim has its own tale, and with the right attitude you will walk out of the case feeling good.