How to File Auto Insurance Claims in Foreign Countries

While travelling abroad if you are unfortunate to be involved in a car accident, then you will need to take a few precautions. The procedures and the way you manage car insurance claims will depend on the country you are visiting as well as the insurance policy provided by your insurance company back home in the US. As a norm, most insurance companies mandate that you file car insurance claims upon your return to the US. However, if the company does have an office or a representative in the country you are visiting then you may be allowed to file your claim there.

No matter where you file your claim, the procedures are more likely to be the same as the US. To begin with you need to inform the police of the accident immediately so that they are able to file a police report. This report is one of the most important documents in any claim that you may make. After seeking medical help, make sure your doctor provides a detailed medical record of your injuries. Other than the police report, the medical record plays the most important part in the claims process. The next step is to gather all the details of witnesses, if any, including their names, address, phone numbers, and make a short notes of their accounts of the accident. A wise thing to do would be to take as many pictures of the accident scene, including any injuries to you and the passengers, and your vehicle itself. This will also enable your insurance company to process you claim faster. Make sure you have all the relevant details about the other driver/s involved in the accident including their license details, registration number, and address. The general rule is that the more documentation you provide, the stronger you case becomes in a claims process.

Next, you ought to contact your insurance provider and inform them about the incident. You need to start the claims process as soon as possible in order to take care of your medical bills, repairs to your car, and be prepared for claims made by another driver against you. It would be prudent to check your coverage, depending on which you may be better off hiring an attorney. You can contact the American Embassy for guidance on the matter.

Having the appropriate car insurance coverage will go a long way in an insurance claim. As long as the terms and conditions of the policy offer maximum coverage, you need not worry about filing any claim. Your insurance company will be in the best position to help you with your claim. All you need to do is ask for step-by-step guidance of the claims procedure. It is advisable to ask them as many questions that you may need to, so that you don’t have to keep returning to the country in order to settle the claim. The bottom line is to gain as much knowledge about the accident so that you are prepared to answer any questions about the claim. Understanding the entire process will only make the experience less daunting for you.