Report the Facts

• After you are in an accident or experience other type of loss with your car, you need to report it to the insurance company immediately. Most insurance companies have a toll-free number that you can call to reach the claims center. Relay the facts as you remember them to the claims representative. When the adjuster gets to the scene, you should try to be as consistent as possible with your story. This gives you some credibility, which helps in getting your claim paid.
  
  

Exchanging Information

• When you are in an accident with someone else, you need to exchange information with that person. You should exchange license plate numbers and provide each other with information about your auto insurance policy. If possible, get a copy of the police report from the accident. If the police officer on the scene does not write a police report, ask specifically for one. This gives your story credibility if the other person in the accident changes his mind about what happened.
  
  

Who Pays

• When you are in an accident with another person, the insurance company for the person who was at fault typically pays. If the police determine that both drivers share some of the fault for the accident, the insurance companies may split the bill. In some states, a no-fault insurance system is used. In these jurisdictions, your own insurance company pays for the damage to your car and your medical bills, regardless of who was at fault.
  
  

Getting a Settlement

• After you file your claim, the adjuster will look at the information and then make an offer. The offer can include money to pay for your car, medical bills, and pain and suffering. If you are happy with the offer, you can get a check almost immediately. If you are dissatisfied with the amount offered, you can decline it and try to negotiate a better settlement. This can take much longer to accomplish, but if you have a viable reason to ask for more money, you may eventually get it.