Auto Accidents, Common Insurers and Claims Processing Text Size:

What happens when you have an accident and find out both of you have the same insurance company? It's never good a good thing to have an accident, but at least in this case, some of the claims process is easier.

Even though some of the process is easier, you still need to be careful and keep your eyes open for some of these potential pitfalls.

Accident Reports

Don't forget to be just as thorough when reporting the accident. Make sure you have the other person's name, telephone number, insurance information, license plate number and driver's license number. Take pictures with a cell phone or camera. Some people keep the disposable type in their glove boxes for just this reason. Don't sign anything on the scene assigning blame or waiving your rights. When this is over, you want to be able to back up your claim that the other driver was at fault. You don't want to be improperly blamed and cause your premiums to go up.

Submitting Your Claim

Be careful how you submit your claim. If the other driver is at fault (where it applies), you will want to submit your claim on their policy. Putting the claim on your policy means you're the one paying the deductible and hope you can recover it later. That could take time.

Determining Fault

Just because the you and the other person in the incident have the same insurance company doesn't mean the carrier will be less thorough in their investigation. Especially if there is doubt about who is at fault. Be clear about who did what and provide photographs and witness contact information if available.

Treat the accident as you would any other and you should be just fine. If, for any reason, you feel that your insurance company is treating you unfairly or neglecting to respond in a timely manner or do what it is require to do, contact your state's insurance regulator.

Questions For Your Attorney

• How do I submit a claim against the other driver's policy?
• What happens if the other driver and I were both at fault during the accident?

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