If a car accident happens while you’re driving one of your business vehicles, you’ll likely need to turn to your commercial auto insurance. It will help you afford a lot of otherwise-costly losses. Still, you have to follow the claims process to reap the benefits. What do you have to
do to file a claim against your policy?
Take the insurance claims process seriously. You must cross your t’s and dot your i’s to get the most out of your policy.
Always Know Your Policy’s Limits
Since you are using a vehicle for business, you’ll need commercial auto insurance. This policy usually lists both the driver and the business as the insured parties in the deal. Therefore, it adds a critical layer of protection to your vehicle.
Also make sure you fully understand the limits of your policy. You’ll likely have to carry liability insurance. So, ensure you have enough to reflect the value of your assets. You’ll also probably need physical damage protection, to repair your car in case an accident or other mishap damages it.
Remember, the limits you choose will affect how much money you might receive following a claim. You should always carry enough protection to safeguard your business’s profit margins.
The Steps to Filing a Claim
If a damaging incident occurs, you can likely turn to your auto insurance. The claims process might vary depending on your exact needs.
- If your vehicle sustains damage, your property protection will come into play.
- If another driver sustains damage, your liability coverage might help pay their losses.
- Call your insurance company immediately, before you leave the scene. They’ll likely tell you any specific rules for filing a claim. Some will even send a claims dispatcher directly to the scene.
- Call the police. They will likely need to write up a report on the accident for insurance purposes.
- Exchange insurance information with the other driver. This information will likely help both parties in case either needs to file a claim. Keep in mind, the other party should know to contact the business in addition to the individual driver.
- Take pictures of the vehicle damage. This might help you file the claim. It also helps to see if anyone else witnessed the accident. That might help your insurer and the police determine fault in the wreck.
- Remember, you might face residual costs for a claim. This might include your deductible cost, and the cost of any uninsured repairs.
When in doubt, call your insurance agent at 855-935-1233. They can help you determine the appropriate steps to take in the event of a damaging accident.