Seven steps to filing your car insurance claim

1) Read and understand your policy first. Find out from your agent if you have any questions about insurance coverage.
2) Find out if anyone needs medical attention. Even minor injuries can become long-lasting.
3) Get necessary information, ie. other driver's name, address, phone number, insurance carrier, and insurer's phone number. Also give the same information about yourself to the other driver. (find insurers’ telephone numbers on the proof-of-insurance cards)
4) If any witnesses to the accident, get their names and phone numbers. Their account of the accident could be important.
5) Contact local law enforcement officers to have an accident report prepared as you need to file one. Accident reports and detailed instructions are available at police departments, sheriff's offices, your local Department of Motor Vehicles office, and Department of Motor Vehicles' web site.
6) Once you notify your insurer about the accident, an insurance adjuster will review the accident report to determine who caused the accident. If the accident was not your fault, ether your insurance company or the at-fault driver's insurance company will handle the repair or replacement of your vehicle. If you use the other driver's company, you will not have a claim on your automobile policy and will not have to pay a deductible.
7) Have your insurance company handle the claim if the other party's insurance company questions its policyholder’s negligence or offers an unacceptable settlement.

• Bodily injuries: You can claim for injuries caused by another at fault (liable) party,
• Damages: An insurance adjuster will assess the damage. If you disagree with their conclusions, you can obtain another appraisal at any auto body shop. The insurance company is responsible to pay for the reasonable cost of repairs to your vehicle.
• Appraisal clause (included in the policy): This can be used to help settle disputes about physical damage claims between you and the insurance company. If you cannot reach an agreement with them, you or your insurer can initiate the appraisal clause. Your appraiser and your insurer's appraiser then select an independent umpire to try to resolve the dispute. Remember, the appraisal clause does not apply for claims you file with the other party's insurance company.