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Tempe Body Shop Agrees Physical-Damage Auto Insurance Claims Demand Details

Automobile accidents can be harrowing things at their worst, even without assessing auto body damage on the spot. Commuting throughout Tempe can be a hair-raising experience, between ASU traffic and commuters passing through while hustling into, out of, and around the Valley of the Sun.

A collision in the midst of the usual chaos only adds to the frenzied atmosphere that can make thinking clearly about proper insurance-claim procedure an exercise in calm under pressure. Still, it’s a must. Before you ever have to stare down auto body damage at the scene and calm jangled nerves while dealing with police, other motorists and claims representatives, internalize these steps to maintaining a little bit of claim-filing sanity.

• KNOW THE CLAIM’S STEPS

There’s a right way to file a physical-damage claim on your busted-up auto body that will preserve both your peace of mind and your claims representative’s cool head.

First and foremost, exchange insurance information immediately with any other involved drivers. Once you’ve proven your financial responsibility, report the damage immediately and through the most efficient channel possible. Many companies like One Sure Insurance have online claim-filing services, but the most efficient means might be to call either your agent (if during regular business hours) or your company’s claims division.

Pursue the repairs needed to cut down further losses and avoid further damage, but for the most part, put off non-critical repairs until your insurance company’s representative has looked over the vehicle. Save every receipt and documentation from your collision repair shop of choice. Your provider will need it to properly process your claim.

• KNOW YOUR POLICY

Informed clients can often be the easiest an insurance provider – or collision repair shop, for that matter – can service.

The more you can familiarize yourself with your policies coverage and restrictions before an accident occurs, the less confused you may find yourself when you actually need to file a claim. Double-check whether you carry these major services in particular:

• Liability insurance that covers injuries and/or property damage that your involvement in an accident causes. Most states require this, anyway.
• Collision insurance covering property or vehicle damage, whether you’re at fault or not.
• Comprehensive coverage, which protects you in the event of theft, vandalism, glass breakage and certain “disaster” damages (i.e., fire, hail, flood, falling object and animal damages.)

• KNOW WHETHER YOU NEED A LAWYER

One last tip: sometimes, your accident claim demands more expert guidance than your company can provide.

Physical damage claims don’t often reach the point where an insurance lawyer becomes necessary. According to Pace Law Firm, personal injury claims can become far more complicated. Frustrations especially flair when medical bills begin mounting. Litigation sometimes becomes the push-comes-to-shove means of motivating companies that drag their feet.

In many cases, companies will utilize your coverage to retain an attorney for your defense, in the event a lawsuit appears on the horizon. Even if your provider doesn’t provide this service, consider obtaining representation if insurance claims reach a stand-still.