Automotive

Auto insurance protects you against financial loss if you have an accident.

What to do if You've Been in a Car Accident

If you've been in a car accident, you may be in shock at first. Once you ensure the health and safety of everyone at the scene, there's a lot of work that needs to be done, from police reports to insurance claims. So what do you do if you've been in a car accident?

Steps to File an Auto Insurance Claim

Call Your Car Insurance Company As Soon as Possible. As soon as possible, you need to let your car insurance company know that you've been in a car accident and will be filing a claim. Even if it's a fender bender and you are unsure if you will put in a claim, you should let your car insurance company know regardless.

Find Out What Information You'll Need. There is a lot of information that your car insurance company will need to collect about the auto accident. Some of this includes the name, contact, and car insurance information from the other driver, the location of the accident, photos of the scene, and the damage to both your car and their car(s).

Schedule Your Vehicle Inspection. Oftentimes, an insurance adjuster will call you back and schedule a time to take a look at your vehicle in order to assess the damage and offer a repair cost if your vehicle can be fixed. Sometimes, your car will be totaled.

Pay Your Deductible. Your auto insurance will cover all of the costs of your car repair if you have the appropriate collision and/or comprehensive coverage minus your deductible. Once you pay your deductible, your auto insurance company takes over from there.

Book Your Auto Repairs. Most auto body shops and auto repair shops will work directly with your insurance company in order to get your car repaired. This makes it convenient and easy for you.

Steps to File an Auto Insurance Claim Infographic
A woman that got into a car accident

What is Auto Insurance?

Auto insurance protects you against financial loss if you have an accident. It is a contract between you and the insurance company. You agree to pay the premium and the insurance company agrees to pay your losses as defined in your policy.

Auto insurance provides property, liability, and medical coverage:

  • Property coverage pays for damage to or theft of your car.
  • Liability coverage pays for your legal responsibility to others for bodily injury or property damage.
  • Medical coverage pays for the cost of treating injuries, rehabilitation, and sometimes lost wages and funeral expenses.

An auto insurance policy is comprised of six different kinds of coverage. Most states require you to buy some, but not all, of these coverages. If you’re financing a car, your lender may also have requirements.

Most auto policies are for six months or a year. Your insurance company should notify you by mail when it’s time to renew the policy and to pay your premium.

Why do You Need Auto Insurance?

It’s really all about protecting yourself financially.

  • If you’re in an accident or your car is stolen, it costs money, often a lot of money, to fix or replace it.
  • If you or any passengers are injured in an accident, medical costs can be extremely expensive.
  • If you or your car is responsible for damage or injury to others, you may be sued for much more than you’re worth.
  • Not only is having insurance a prudent financial decision, but many states also require you to have at least some coverage.
A man inspecting car damage
A couple looking over insurance options

Questions to Ask Your Agent

Your Independent Agent is an advocate for finding auto insurance that meets your specific needs. Here are a few things to consider as you prepare for the discussion:

  • How much can you afford to pay if you get in an accident? (To keep premiums low you may want to have a higher deductible and be willing to pay more for repairs.)
  • What is the insurance company’s level of service and ability to pay claims?
  • What discounts are available? (Ask about good drivers, multiple policies and student discounts.)
  • What’s the procedure for filing and settling a claim? (Ask who to call and what happens after you file a claim.)

Get in touch with FasTrak Insurance Solutions Today

FasTrak Insurance Solutions has four locations to better serve you, including one in South Gate, Lawndale, Garden Grove, and Montclair, California. Our team has years of experience in helping you have the right commercial insurance for your business's needs. Call for a quote today!

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To contact Fastrak Insurance Solutions directly, please fill out the following form as completely as possible. You will receive a response from us shortly.

ADDRESS

9928 Atlantic Ave. South Gate, CA 90280

877-296-0808

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