How to File Property Damage Claims After a Car Accident

Car accidents—even minor ones—can cost a lot of money, time, and energy. If your car, home, or other property suffers damage after an accident, you’ll want to make sure you receive your fair payments with as little stress and hassle as possible. It’s important to know how the claims process works with your auto insurance company. Stay informed, stay calm, and make the most of the situation with this guide on how to file property damage claims after a car accident.

Collect Information

The first step after any car accident—after ensuring that all parties are safe—is to collect information from the scene. Get the contact and insurance information from the other driver as well as any vehicle information. It’s also a good idea to take pictures or videos of the scene. Try to get multiple angles of all vehicles and property involved so you can submit a clear picture of the incident to your insurance company. Be as detailed and thorough as possible when collecting this information, as this will help you justify your claim and make the entire process easier.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Many insurance companies require you to notify them of any accident as quickly as possible. If you don’t report the incident to your insurance provider, you can lose the coverages and protections that would normally get you through the claims process. Additionally, notifying your insurance company right away ensures your right to file a claim down the road. No matter how you proceed after your accident, it’s important to involve your insurance company.

File Your Claim

When it comes to how to file property damage claims after a car accident, you have a couple of options. You can file with your own insurance company and have them seek reimbursement from the other driver’s insurance provider. This will likely be the fastest way to settle your claim and receive your payments, but you might have to pay out-of-pocket for your deductible. Alternatively, you can file a claim with the other driver’s insurance company. These claims usually take longer to settle, but you won’t have to pay a deductible.

At Serenity Group, we understand that not all accidents are avoidable. If you find yourself in an at-fault car accident, you might be facing SR22 car insurance requirements as well as property damage claims. We can help you sort through the details and find an insurance policy that works for you. If you need SR22 insurance in California or anywhere else in the United States, we’ll help you work through your accident and get back on the road as efficiently as possible.