Filing Insurance Claims After an Accident in Brooklyn Guide

Dans Collision • January 18, 2025

Car accidents are stressful. From the shock of the collision to taking your car to get it repaired, it can be an overwhelming experience. Especially when it comes to insurance claims. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you handle insurance claims like a pro and get your car back on the road quickly and hassle-free.

1. Stay Calm and Collect Information

At the scene of an accident:

Make sure everyone involved is OK. If there are injuries, call 911 immediately.
Exchange information with any other drivers, including:
Name and contact details.
Insurance company and policy number.
License plate number.
Make, model, and color of the vehicles involved in the accident.
Take clear photos of:
The damage to all vehicles.
The scene of the accident (including road signs, weather conditions, etc.).
Any injuries sustained.

These details will be crucial when filing your claim.

2. Notify Your Insurance Company Immediately

After the accident, contact your insurance company to report the incident. Be prepared to provide:

The time, date, and location of the accident.
The details of the other driver(s) involved.
A description of the damage and injuries.

Tip: Stick to the facts and avoid admitting fault when speaking to your insurance company. Fault will be determined later based on evidence.

3. Ask Questions About Your Insurance Coverage

Knowing what your policy covers can save you from surprises. Review:

Comprehensive/Collision Coverage: Typically pays for damage to your vehicle, regardless of fault.
Liability Coverage: Covers damage to other vehicles or property if you’re at fault.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Helps when the other driver has no insurance or insufficient coverage.

Make sure you know how much your deductible is — it's the amount you'll have to pay out of pocket toward repairs to your vehicle before insurance coverage kicks in.

4. Choose the Right Collision Repair Shop

Here’s where many people get stuck: finding a trustworthy auto body repair shop. You want a shop that:

Handles Insurance Claims for You: Some shops, like ours, work directly with your insurance company, saving you hours of paperwork and calls.
Provides High-Quality Repairs: Look for certified technicians and check customer reviews.
Offers a Warranty: Ensure their work is guaranteed.

Pro Tip: Even if your insurance company suggests an auto body repair shop, you have the right to choose your own.

5. Keep Track of All Communication

Document every interaction with your insurance company and collision repair shop. This includes:

Emails and phone calls.
Receipts for repairs or towing services.
Claim reference numbers.

Staying organized ensures nothing falls through the cracks.

6. Avoid Common Pitfalls

Delaying the Claim: Report the accident promptly to avoid issues with coverage.
Ignoring Small Damages: Minor dents could hide serious structural issues—always get a professional inspection.
Skipping Repairs: Leaving your car damaged can reduce its value and compromise safety.

If your vehicle is totaled in a covered accident, and you have comprehensive or collision coverage, your insurer will pay you the actual cash value of your vehicle (minus your deductible).

Let Us Handle the Hassle for You

At Dan's Auto Collision, we understand how stressful accidents can be. That’s why we:

Handle the insurance claim process from start to finish.
Provide fast, high-quality service to get you back on the road.
Offer a free estimate so you know exactly what to expect.

Ready to make your claim stress-free? Call us today at (718) 241-3111 and let us take care of the rest.