Steps To Filing Your New Jersey Car Insurance Claim

New Jersey Auto Insurance Articles

Use the following seven steps to filing your New Jersey car insurance claim will help you deal with a car accident as smoothly as possible.

Step 1: Know your New Jersey car insurance policy

Before a loss, sit down and carefully read your New Jersey auto insurance policy. Call your agent or company if you have any questions about what is or is not covered.

Step 2: Exchange information

If you are involved in an accident, get the other driver's name, address, phone number, insurance carrier, and insurer's phone number. Be prepared to give the same information about yourself to the other driver. You can find insurers' telephone numbers on the proof-of-insurance cards that should be carried on your person when operating a motor vehicle.

Step 3: Identify witnesses

Ask witnesses to the accident for their names and phone numbers in case their account of the accident is needed.

Step 4: File an accident report

Contact local New Jersey law enforcement officers to have an accident report prepared. If law enforcement is not reachable, accident reports and detailed instructions are available at all police departments, sheriff's offices and the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission.

Step 5: Notify your New Jersey auto insurer

Contact your New Jersey auto insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. A New Jersey car insurance adjuster will review the accident report to determine who caused the accident. If the accident was not your fault, you can have either your insurance company or the at-fault driver's insurance company 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 you will not have to pay a deductible.

Step 6: Do not release New Jersey insurers too early

Do not relieve your New Jersey car insurance company of its responsibility until the damages are settled to your satisfaction. For example, have your insurance company handle the claim if the other party's insurance company questions its policyholder's negligence or offers an unacceptable settlement.

Step 7: Consider these settlement factors

Bodily injuries: You may be entitled to a monetary settlement for injuries caused by another at fault (liable) party. It can take several days for some injuries to become apparent.

Damages: The New Jersey car insurance company is responsible to pay for the reasonable cost of repairs to your vehicle. An insurance adjuster will assess the damage. Usually, New Jersey insurance companies and auto body shops negotiate disagreements about what should be repaired. If you disagree with their conclusions, you have the right to obtain another appraisal at any auto body shop.

Appraisal clause: Most New Jersey auto insurance policies include an appraisal clause, which can be used to help settle disputes about physical damage claims between you and your New Jersey car insurance company. (The appraisal clause does not apply for claims you file with the other party's insurance company.) If you cannot reach an agreement with your New Jersey auto insurance company, 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. Check your policy or ask your agent or insurance company for more information about the appraisal clause.

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Steps To Filing Your New Jersey Car Insurance Claim

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