When to File an Insurance Claim for a Car Dent

Dents may form when rocks or tree branches hit your vehicle’s windshield. On some occasions, people who may walk by may accidentally brush up against the car and leave a ding or two.

In any situation, know when and how to file for an insurance claim that is submitted on time and using the correct information.

When to File

There are good and bad times to file any document, with an insurance claim being no exception. The best decision is to file a claim immediately, which is the same day as the accident. Avoid waiting for the other driver or a representative from his or her insurance company to contact you.

The best piece of advice when filing is to avoid waiting a long time until you do it. Many insurance companies have deadlines for when you can perform certain tasks. You have to consider the rules of the insurer and obey them if you expect to receive any payment.

In addition, there are situations when you should not file a claim at all. When you know you don’t have collision coverage, avoid filing for a dent from either minor or major incidents. If the repair cost is less than your deductible, avoid filing and save money by covering it yourself.

How to File

Once you learn more about the coverage you have, along with the terms of your policy, file the claim form. First, call your insurance representative as soon as the accident occurs and you obtain a copy of the police report. Ask for a list of the forms needed or locate them online. Do not assume which forms you need or which ones you don’t need. Not filling out the proper paperwork will cause delays to your processing.

Visit a mechanic that is recommended by the insurance company and save money on repair costs. For a totaled car, the insurer will cover the replacement cost, but it’s still important that you review its current value.

As the investigation continues, hand over any legal documents that the insurer needs. Remain in close communication with the agent and ask questions when needed. Most importantly, do not cover any damage costs out of pocket. Know the policy limits of your insurer in case of a lawsuit. An insurer will cover some expenses, but for the rest, you might need a lawyer.

The most important tip is to do a lot of research on your own. An insurance agent is a good source of information, but he or she is still impartial to the insurance company. Do not rely on assumptions about what you think needs to be done or what another drive did in the same situation. Every accident is unique, so it’s your responsibility to know how and when an insurance claim effectively.

Car dents may be costly to fix in many cases. Anyone who was in a minor accident should consider getting a local paintless dent repair service.