How To File A Car Accident Claim With Progressive In Georgia
When you have auto insurance with Progressive, you likely think that you should have no problem filing a claim and recovering compensation if an accident occurs. However, Progressive auto insurance claims rarely go smoothly. It is vital that you understand how to file a claim with Progressive in Georgia so that you secure maximum compensation after an accident occurs.
Filing a claim with Progressive in Georgia can be difficult
Progressive is an incredibly large insurance carrier, and you need to understand that they are a “for-profit” entity. Insurance companies make more money when they pay out less in settlements. This is important to keep in mind when following these steps after a car accident claim in Georgia.
Making the initial claim with Progressive
When you make your initial claim Progressive insurance, you do not have to go into detail about the accident. However, you do need to let Progressive know that the accident occurred as soon as possible. You can file initial claims on the phone 24 hours a day or through their website or mobile app.
Gathering your own evidence
You need to begin gathering evidence related to your Georgia car accident claim as soon as possible. This evidence gathering can begin at the car accident scene if you have a smartphone. Take photographs of any damage to your vehicle or other vehicles involved as well as photographs of injuries, any debris lying around, traffic and weather conditions, and more. Get the names and contact information of any eyewitnesses to the crash, and make sure you get the driver’s license number and insurance information of other drivers involved.
Progressive will need proof of your total losses, say you need to keep all medical bills related to the car accident injuries as well as receipts of any out-of-pocket expenses you incur due to the incident
Handling Progressive’s claims adjusters
Soon after an accident occurs, Progressive will send an insurance claims adjuster to investigate the incident. This claims adjuster may inspect the damage to your vehicle and they will most certainly call you. Do not be fooled by how friendly a Progressive claims insurance adjuster is. These individuals are trained negotiators, and they will use various tactics to get you to admit that you are not as hurt as you claim you are. They may try to get you to admit fault for causing the incident. Claims adjusters will record everything you say to them, so you need to stick with the same story throughout your entire case.
Not taking the first settlement offer
Soon after the accident occurs, Progressive will make an initial settlement offer that may seem enticing. Please understand that the initial settlement offer is likely far below what you should be receiving for your case. Progressive’s first settlement offer should be the starting place for negotiations. It can be tempting to take initial offers, especially if you have medical bills and vehicle damages that need repairing. However, you could be missing out on a significant amount of money by taking the initial offer.
Speaking to an attorney
When you are dealing with Progressive insurance in the aftermath of a car accident, you may need to secure assistance from a skilled Georgia attorney. An attorney will have the resources necessary to thoroughly investigate your case and properly calculate your total accident-related expenses. Your lawyer will handle all negotiations with a Progressive insurance claims adjuster in an effort to secure maximum compensation for your case.