Whether you are involved in an auto accident or your auto is damaged or stolen, your first step in filing a claim is to call your insurance agent or company immediately to report the loss.

Your insurance company or agent will explain the process on how to proceed and will ask you for a detailed explanation as to what led to the claim - how the accident happened or how the damage or theft to the auto occurred.  They will also provide you with the necessary form or forms to fill out.

In the case of an auto accident your company or agent may ask you to provide them a police report and the names, addresses, driver license information and other data on those involved in the accident or witnesses to the accident or loss.  Please keep in mind that some police departments will not come to the scene of an accident or provide an accident report if the accident did not result in any injuries or death.  You should still make an effort to report the accident or loss to the local police department where the loss occurred.

Your insurance company or agent will explain the process and you as a consumer should feel free to ask for all of the information you need to fully understand the process.

Ask your insurance agent or company the following questions:

·                    Does my policy contain a time limit for filing claims and submitting bills?

·                    Is there a time limit for resolving claims disputes?

·                    If I need to submit additional information, is there a time limit?

·                    When can I expect the insurance company to contact me?

·                    Do I need to get repair estimates for the damage of my car?

·                    Will my policy pay for a rental car while my car is being repaired?  If so, how much?

According to the California Department of Insurance, under California's Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations, insurance companies are required to:

·                    Provide you information you need on your coverage, time limits and other issues related to your auto coverage.

·                    Start the claim process - provide you with the necessary forms and assistance - immediately or no later than 15-days after being notified of the claim.

·                    Respond to any communications from you immediately or no later than 15 days.

·                    Accept or deny the claim immediately or no later than 40 days after receiving proof of claim.  This proof can be in the form of police reports, estimates of repair or any other information that is needed to process the claim.

·                    Offer a fair settlement for the claim's loss or losses.

·                    Pay the claim immediately or not later than 30 days from the date the settlement was accepted.

·                    Advise you whether or not they will pursue subrogation - going after the other party in the accident to recover costs from the claim.  If your insurance company pursues subrogation, they must include your deductible, unless you have already recovered your deductible.