Filing An Auto Insurance Claim

The Illinois DOI is a great resource for valuable information on insurance laws and regulations. They discuss auto insurance cancellation and non-renewal and improper claims practices laws. Filing a claim in Illinois can be a stressful time, but when the appropriate preparation, you can make it a smooth process.

The first step to take is to ensure you really need to file a claim. If the damage is small and you can afford to pay for repairs out of pocket, it doesn't make sense to risk increasing your auto insurance premiums. The next step is to document each detail involved in the accident to ensure you have all the information your insurance company may need.

You should be prepared to receive a call from the insurance company of any other drivers involved in the accident. Any time there is a dispute on claims information, they need more information from people who witnessed the event. Once your claim is accepted you may get a visit from an auto insurance adjuster to review the damage. They may direct you towards acceptable auto repair companies and car rental companies you can use while you wait for your car to get fixed. Being prepared for the ramifications of being in an accident can help make the situation smoother.