Insurance

An accidents claim is the process of asking for compensation for damages or injuries that are the result of an accident. If you have been in an accident recently, whether it be a traffic accident, a bicycle accident, a bus accident, or some other type, here's what you need to know.

When can I make an accidents claim?

To qualify you need to have two things. First, you need have an appropriate insurance policy taken out. You need to have your insurance fully organized and paid up-to-date to be eligible to claim. Second, you need to have been unfortunate enough to be involved in an accident where you incur cost from injury or some sort of property damage.

What do I need to do?

You need to start the claims process as soon as it's safe to do so after the accident occurs. The longer you wait, the harder it's going to be to make a straightforward, successful claim. As time passes evidence of the accident fades or is lost. On top of this, people's memories will fade the longer you wait. Don't delay!

The first thing you need to do is to contact your insurance company's customer service line or dedicated claims line. Your company will ask you for some basic information about the accident. At a later date they will send you accidents claim forms which you will need to fill out.

Make you sure include all relevant information, provide copies of police reports, and answer any questions your insurance company has. If you leave out any information, you could complicate the claims process, lose a substantial amount of compensation money or even disqualify completely.

Once you have filled out all the relevant forms, your company will file your claim. They will then assign a specially trained "adjuster" to your case. The adjuster will assess the physical evidence of the accident, interview you and any other people involved in the accident, consult with other professionals and decide whether your claim is legitimate or not. If they decide you have a legitimate accidents claim, they will decide the monetary amount of your claim and you will receive your compensation.