Dealing with an Insurance Company After a New Car Accident

If a car is involved in a car accident, either party has the right to lodge an auto accident complaint. Each individual may also file a claim with his or her car insurance provider. This is standard procedure. If your car is new, accident procedures may result in frustration.

Filing A Claim Or Complaint

Whether you file a complaint against the other party’s insurance company or a claim with your own provider, the process is similar. The company will expect you to fill in specific forms. In both instances, you will talk to an insurance person who will request you provide them with

• A police report
• Information about medical issues, if any
• Evidence supporting any claim for compensation for pain, suffering and financial loss
• Proof concerning the extent of damage to your vehicle
• Information on your vehicle including age, model, mileage, condition Blue Book value

You need to be thorough. Do not skimp on expert opinion, dates, and supporting data. All this information provides the basis for your demand – your stated settlement amount.

The Problem With Expectations

What you expect for your new car is one thing. What the insurance company will offer you is quite another. The company will consider two things:

• How much will it cost to replace the new car?
• How much will it cost to repair the new car?

In general, the insurance company will not opt for your preference. They will decide to pay for the less expensive of the 2. In many instances, the owners of older cars will benefit more than those who have a brand new car. The cost of repairing the damaged car may actually exceed the cost of replacing it. This is not always the case with a damaged new car.

What To Do

There are a number of options if the company does not see it justifiable to replace your new car. You can

• Accept the settlement check and have the car repaired
• Accept the settlement check but do not sign the release form. This gives you the option of taking the defendant to small claims court to ask for damages
• Negotiate for a larger settlement
• Hire a lawyer

Why a Lawyer?

If you opt to hire a lawyer, you may stand a better chance of obtaining satisfaction from the insurance company. An attorney skilled in car accident insurance can help you find a way to make sure you receive compensation for your new car accident.