You were in a recent car accident, but the at-fault party has car insurance. The only thing is that you are unsure of how to make a claim against someone else’s car policy. How do you navigate this process so you can repair your vehicle and tend to your injuries?
Forbes breaks down the process for you. Make sure you do not suffer because of another’s negligence.
Make a third-party claim
Once you have the at-fault driver’s insurance information, make a third-party liability coverage claim. Even if the other driver’s insurance provider agrees to process the claim, that does not mean they move quickly. Because insurance companies want to make more money than they spend, expect a claims adjuster to inspect the accident thoroughly to verify who bears fault for the accident.
File a claim with your policy
If the at-fault party does not have auto insurance or does not have enough to cover your injuries and damage, you may have no choice but to file a claim through your policy. Depending on your coverage, you may have uninsured/underinsured coverage specifically for this scenario. You must pay the deductible if you use your coverage, but you could recover that amount if your insurer seeks reimbursement from the at-fault driver.
File a lawsuit
You can sue the other driver to cover damages. Going through small claims court with a legal professional representing you could help you win your case. Understand that if the at-fault motorist does not have adequate assets to cover your desired amount, this option may prove useless.
No matter who bears responsibility for a car accident, filing an insurance claim can be a headache. Keep the above info in mind to get the compensation you deserve.
