How Does Car Insurance Work in an Accident?
- Car insurance is the one aspect of an auto accident that consumers generally don't understand. From deductibles to the written contract, consumers normally get confused on how car insurance applies to an actual wreck. As a result, several myths exist about it. However, experts in the industry understand that how car insurance works after an auto accident is to restore an individual back to pre-accident state.
- Car insurance restores an individual back to a pre-accident state after an auto accident through the claims process. It usually begins with a call to the car insurance company. After a car insurance representative collects the initial data about an auto accident, a claim number is assigned and a claim set up. This claim is a record of the actual auto accident that is linked to a specific auto policy. From here, the claim is assigned to a claims adjuster who will process the claim through a series of tasks.
- The claims adjuster will verify accident details, review coverage, review determination of fault and pay out. Claims adjusters complete these tasks through phone or face-to-face interviews, police reports, scene investigations and policy reviews. After these tasks are complete, if a claims adjuster deems that coverage exists and a claim payment is in order, he will pay out based on policy limits, deductibles and damages.
- Payment from a car insurance company is not for gain. As a result, if the rear bumper of a car is damaged in an auto accident, the car insurance company will only pay for the rear bumper. And, this payment is based on a professional appraisal and less any deductible that applies. For example, if the approved repairs cost $600.00 and the deductible is $200.00, the car insurance will issue a check for $400.00 to the customer or body shop. After the payment is issued, the claim is closed. When a car insurance company closes a claim, it still stays in their records, but all activity stops on it.
- Car insurance is a way to prevent financial loss to the general public because of a car wreck. It's like having extra money in the bank that can be withdrawn in the case of an emergency. This is the key to its success. Regardless of consumer complaints, enough claims are paid by car insurance companies on a yearly basis in order to make it state mandated and appreciated by the people who use it after an auto accident.
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