Some auto insurance companies now offer claims processing via their mobile apps. Given that filing a claim the traditional way (over the phone or in-person with a representative) is often a complicated process, you may be wondering if the claims process through an app is any easier. Here is a step-by-step look at filing a claim using most of the available apps provided by insurance companies, how the process works and how to do it when you have never done it this way before.
Opening the App and Logging In
Since you may already have joined your provider's online network and you have probably checked your coverage or paid your bill at least once this way, you only need to log in to start the process. Open the app, and if you are logged out, log back in. Then open the tab in the app that says something to the effect of "file a claim" or "create a claim report." Most of your personal info should auto-populate, including the make, model and year of car you have covered under this provider's policy. If you have more than one car under the same policy/provider, you may have to check the radio button or box or use the drop-down menu for the vehicle for which you want to file a claim.
Next, Take Photos of the Damage
Next, the app will instruct you to take photos of the damage done to your vehicle. Be sure to photograph your car in the best possible light so that there are no glints, glares and low lights to obscure the damages. Be sure to take photos of the damage from several viewpoints because the agent on the other end of your "e-claim" cannot see three-dimensional damages from one or two pictures. Upload the photos and make sure they appear in your claim's appropriate file before continuing this process.
Photograph the Police Report, If You Have One
Part of the determination process for the claims agent is being able to see what the police said about the accident. Who was at fault and what exactly caused the accident both play large parts in how the insurance companies process your claim. If you have a police report, be sure to photograph every page and send that too. This also helps verify any valid claims of personal injury for which the car insurance company may be required to pay.
An E-Claims Agent Will Assess Your Claim and Get Back to You
Once you have finished filing out the e-claim form and have included all necessary photos and scans of documents, the e-claims agent on the receiving end of your claim will begin processing it. He or she will examine all of your photos carefully in order to assess the extent of the damage and the validity of your claim. (This is why it is so important to make your pictures clear and close.) If anything is unclear or the agent needs more pictures or a verbal clarification, he or she will call you. You should hear something in about the same amount of time it usually takes most insurance agents to process a claim, but because you used the app-claim process you may hear something sooner.
To learn more about auto insurance, visit a website like http://www.unitedsecurityagency.com.
Share15 January 2016
