Auto owners involved in an accident must file an insurance claim if they are at fault. The at-fault driver is responsible for any property damage and medical expenses that resulted from the accident. State and federal laws require all auto owners to have at least auto liability coverage. A failure to comply with state and federal laws leads to fines and might lead to a lawsuit. Auto owners who have damaged another person’s property with their car can expect these 3 things to happen.
1. Your Insurer Will Start a Claim
Starting a claim with your insurer helps the at-fault driver manage their responsibilities and avoid further legal consequences. An insurance claim helps the victim get funds to cover their medical expenses for any injuries they sustained during the accident and payment for property damage repairs. The policies purchased by the at-fault driver define what level of coverage is available. Most states require at least auto liability coverage which offers coverage for the victim in the accident. However, drivers with only liability face some restrictions, and the amount of coverage they have might not be enough to cover all expenses. Auto owners who want to review policy coverage levels contact T.S. Peck now.
2. The Victim Must Provide Repair Estimates
Requesting repair estimates for the property damage gives the at-fault driver’s insurer a median cost for the property damage repairs. Typically, most policies require at least three estimates from reputable auto repair services. However, if the property damage involves an actual building or structure, the insurer needs estimates from a licensed contractor. The at-fault driver’s insurance provider evaluates the estimates and chooses the median value in most situations. If the claim is approved, the victim receives the median payout for the property damage repairs.
If the auto accident involved a residential or commercial property, the owner might also have coverage through their property insurance. Some insurers require the property owner to file a claim through their own insurer first before the policy offers any coverage. Any additional balances required for repairing the property are covered through the auto policy. However, some auto insurance policies won’t provide any coverage for any property other than an automobile.
3. The Insurance Pays According to Your Policy Terms
The insurer provides a payment to the victim after the claim is approved. A check is mailed to the victim at the address provided in the insurance claim. The victim must also sign some documents showing that they received the funds. Some policies require receipts from the auto repair shop that repairs the victim’s automobile. Once the victim agrees to the amount presented by the insurer, the victim cannot file a legal claim for the property damage.
The auto insurance policies provide coverage for medical costs for the victim, too. The coverage limit defines how much the victim receives through the insurance claim. If the victim receives funds through the insurance policies for medical costs, it doesn’t prevent them from filing a lawsuit. However, the victim must sustain serious injuries that require a more substantial payment to cover additional medical treatment.
Auto owners must fulfill their responsibilities after they cause an accident. The at-fault driver must file an insurance claim and provide funds for property damage and accident injuries. Reviewing the requirements for filing an insurance claim helps the auto owner complete each step effectively.
