In most cases, there should be no need to hire an attorney. In fact, if you are a
policyholder your insurance company provides for legal defense on your behalf. However,
whether or not you hire an attorney is your decision.
If someone uses your vehicle (with your permission) and has an accident, your company will pay for damages he/she causes. However, in states with No-Fault coverage, the insurance company of the person using the vehicles (if the person is insured) would pay for that person's injuries. You would not be surcharged.
If someone uses your vehicle without your permission (i.e. it is stolen), you are not legally liable for any damages they may cause, and there is no liability coverage afforded by the policy. There is however, coverage for any damage to your auto provide by your comprehensive and/or collision coverage.
You would not be surcharged due to any damages resulting from theft of your auto.
Companies use auto repair shops to provide their customers with cost-effective, convenient and high-quality service - and guaranteed repair work. Using an auto repair shop means no shopping for estimates and no paperwork. However, you are not required to use these shops.
If you aren't using a company recommended auto repair shop, several quotes may be necessary to determine fair compensation for your claim. Most companies would have a claim expert determine if an inspection or the submission of a claim estimate is necessary.
Most insurance policies require that you notify the company when you've been involved in an accident, whether or not you were at fault. Immediately reporting a claim allows the insurance company to fulfill its responsibility to the policyholder by conducting a proper investigation and protecting the policyholder's interests should there be a need for legal representation.
A claim department's primary responsibility is to ensure that your claim is settled in a fair and timely manner. They are experts in the area of claims, not in the rating of policies.
Insurance companies have experts who investigate the claim, verify the scope and extent of damages, evaluate the situation based on the facts and pay the most appropriate amount based on their findings. It is the insurance companies responsibility, as stated in the insurance contract, to act in the policy holder's best interests. There is no need to inconvenience the customer by bringing them into the claim process.
If someone has become injured on your property or if a violent storm destroys your home, you will need to file a claim with your insurance company. Remember, a homeowners policy is a contract between you and your insurance company. And there are rules and procedures that you and your insurer must follow. Read your insurance policy to see what your responsibilities are.
If you are the victim of a theft or your home has been vandalized or burglarized, report it to the police. Get a police report and the names of all law enforcement officers that you speak with.
Insurance policies place a time limit on filing claims. Find out what the time limit is. Ask questions: Am I covered? Does my claim exceed my deductible? (Your deductible is the amount of loss you agree to pay yourself when you buy a policy.) How long will it take to process my claim? Will I need to obtain estimates for repairs to structural damage?
Take reasonable steps to protect your property from further damage. Save receipts for what you spend and submit them to your insurance company for reimbursement.