Some drivers find it challenging to obtain standard coverage through a traditional insurance provider, whether it’s due to poor credit or multiple traffic violations. Fortunately, companies like SafeAuto make insurance accessible to these high-risk drivers. If you have coverage through SafeAuto or are looking to sign up for a policy, you may wonder how the claims process works. Read on to learn everything you need to know about SafeAuto insurance claims and discover what to do after an accident.
What Is SafeAuto?
SafeAuto is a nonstandard property and casualty insurance carrier. While the carrier has property and health care policies available, it’s most well-known for providing coverage to drivers who need to meet their state’s minimum requirements. The client base primarily consists of high-risk drivers who can’t obtain standard coverage through traditional insurance providers. Since its inception in 1993, SafeAuto has been based in Columbus, Ohio, and expanded to serve residents of 28 states.
How Do You File SafeAuto Insurance Claims?
Hopefully, you’ll never have to file an insurance claim through SafeAuto, but understanding the process is crucial before you sign up for a policy. Knowing how to file a claim can prepare you in the event of an accident and assure you that the carrier makes the process simple enough for you to manage. Filing a claim is as easy as calling the customer service department or creating a report through your online SafeAuto account. An adjuster will take on your case and start the investigation to ensure a speedy resolution.
What Information Do You Need to File a Claim?
When filing a claim, the customer service representative or online form will ask for information such as:
- The date, time, and location of the accident
- Contact information of any involved drivers and passengers
- Year, make, and model of the involved vehicles
- Insurance information from involved parties
- A summary of how the accident happened
Another useful document to submit when making your claim is a police report. This official document helps your adjuster confirm the facts of the case and increases your chances of a favorable resolution. So, it’s important to always report an accident to the local authorities and contact the police in person if they don’t respond to the scene.
How Do SafeAuto Insurance Claims Investigations Work?
After you file your claim, the adjuster on your case will open an investigation. They’ll evaluate the facts by interviewing witnesses and other involved parties, reading police reports, and getting expert opinions from field appraisers. Adjusters also consider your state’s driving laws to determine who’s responsible for the accident and what coverage you’re eligible to receive. Throughout the process, you’ll be able to ask questions and receive updates from your assigned adjuster. After the investigation, the adjuster determines the appropriate resolution.
What Are the Possible Outcomes of SafeAuto Insurance Claims?
If your adjuster concludes that your damages aren’t eligible for coverage or that you didn’t have coverage at the time of the accident, SafeAuto may deny your claim. If your claim is valid, the adjuster may propose one or more of the several resolutions below:
Payment
SafeAuto may issue payments to cover your medical bills or damages to your vehicle and other property. The amount depends on the nature of the loss. While SafeAuto may issue the payments directly to you, the carrier may also issue them to your lienholder. This practice is legal in many cases and protects the interests of your lender.
Vehicle Repairs
If your car needs to be fixed after an accident, SafeAuto may help you coordinate repairs. Its team of qualified appraisers determines what repairs are necessary and eligible under your coverage. Drivers appreciate that the carrier allows them to choose the repair shop they want to go through, as it allows them to choose a trustworthy shop close to their home. If the mechanics notice additional damage as they fix your vehicle, they can contact your SafeAuto adjuster and request additional payment to cover the repair costs.
Total Loss
SafeAuto uses state laws and your policy’s provisions to determine whether your vehicle is a total loss. This calculation usually comes from comparing the vehicle’s actual cash value and the cost of repair. If SafeAuto determines that your vehicle is a total loss, a claims representative determines the fair market value of your vehicle and makes the appropriate payment to you.
Litigation
In some cases, a victimized party may pursue litigation after a car accident. SafeAuto requires its policyholders to immediately contact a representative if they receive a legal document like a summon or complaint. Failure to notify a representative and provide copies of the document can jeopardize your coverage.
How Do You File a Claim Against a SafeAuto Policyholder?
You’ll have to call the claims department if you don’t have coverage through SafeAuto but need to file a claim against one of the carrier’s policyholders. Customer service representatives are available 24/7 and tend to help clients quickly file their claims. While it might take a little longer to receive a response, you may also send an email to start the process of filing a claim against a SafeAuto policyholder.
How Do You File an Insurance Fraud Claim Through SafeAuto?
Dishonest individuals may try to file an insurance claim in your name to receive payments through your carrier. These instances can increase premiums for everyone, as the carrier has to pass false claim and litigation costs on to its policyholders. If you think you might be a victim of insurance fraud, be sure to file a claim through SafeAuto. You can contact its fraud department by email or call a customer service representative.
Drivers with poor credit scores or driving records often find relief through SafeAuto. Aside from offering affordable insurance to high-risk drivers, this carrier makes the claims process super simple. Consult this guide if you ever need to file a claim and get the compensation you deserve through your policy.
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