How to File an Insurance Claim After a Car Collision?
2 Answers
If you are involved in a car collision while driving and only have compulsory traffic insurance and third-party liability insurance, you will not be eligible for compensation. However, if you have purchased vehicle damage insurance, you can receive compensation. The claims process for a car collision may vary slightly among different insurance companies, but it generally includes the following steps: reporting the incident, damage assessment, signing and reviewing claim documents, settlement review, approval, and final payment. Below is the detailed process: 1. Reporting the Incident: Insurance policies usually require reporting the incident to the insurance company within 48 hours, otherwise, the insurer may refuse compensation. If someone else reports the incident on your behalf, they must bring their ID and a letter of authorization from the policyholder. 2. Damage Assessment: Before any repairs are made, all damages caused by the accident must be assessed by the insurance company (assessment can be done at a repair shop or 4S store designated by the insurer or at a qualified facility, but all three parties must be present). This step determines the scope and cost of damages. Repairs can only begin after the assessment is completed. 3. Signing and Reviewing Claim Documents: The insurance company will review the documents and materials provided by the claimant. 4. Settlement Review: The insurer will calculate and review the compensation based on the specific accident details and invoices. 5. Approval: The relevant department of the insurance company will approve the compensation. 6. Final Payment and Case Closure: For claims that meet the insurer's criteria, compensation can be received within a few working days, and the case will then be closed.
That time I rear-ended someone else's car, I immediately turned on the hazard lights, pulled over to the side of the road, set up the warning triangle, and called 110 for the traffic police. The officers arrived within five minutes, took statements, and determined liability. After taking photos of the collision points, I contacted the insurance company's customer service to file a claim, providing the policy number and location. The claims adjuster arrived within half an hour, uploaded the police report and driver's license photos to their system, and finally, the insurance company directly deposited the repair money into my bank account based on the damage assessment report. The whole process took three days and wasn't as troublesome as I imagined. Remember to take enough photos, and keep the other party's phone number and license plate number for backup—missing any of these materials will slow down the process. It's especially important to have the insurance company's phone number and a photo of the policy saved in your phone.
