Accidents in St. Petersburg never end by damaging vehicles; some accidents damage property along with the car. For instance, a car may hit a fence, mailbox, or even a building. In such cases, two kinds of insurance claims can come into play: auto insurance and property insurance. Knowing how the two claims work will come in handy in avoiding delays, confusion, or financial loss.
Assess the Full Extent of the Damage
Check for injuries first after an accident and call emergency services if anyone is hurt. Once everyone is safe, carefully inspect both the vehicle and the property involved. Take photos from multiple angles, showing vehicle damage, property damage (fences, garages, landscaping, etc.), skid marks or debris, weather, and lighting conditions.
Most importantly, this documentation will be invaluable to both your car and property claims.
Report the Accident to the Appropriate Authorities
If your property — especially someone else’s — becomes damaged, report it to local law enforcement. A police report documents the fault and is one of the most important pieces of evidence for the insurance adjusters. In St. Pete, these things are most important when accidents occur on residential streets or private property, where liability is often disputed.
Notify all Relevant Insurance Companies
In filing a claim, you might have to make two:
- Claim for automobile insurance: For damaged vehicles and personal injuries inflicted by an accident.
- Homeowners or property claim insurance: For damages to the structure or landscaping.
If your vehicle damages someone else’s property, their auto liability insurance is likely to pay for the repairs. Conversely, if a vehicle from another driver damages your property, you should claim damages from their insurance. Always inform your insurer, even if you think it is the fault of another party, so that you please comply with policy requirements.
Keep Track of Communication and Estimates
When dealing with different companies, things will be very complicated very quickly. Document every call, email, and inspection, signaling a need for information. Get written estimates of the repairs from licensed contractors or auto repair shops to compare with the insurance adjusters’ evaluations.
Be Ready to Dispute with an Insurance Policy
Disputes often arise between insurers as to the damages that are covered by whom, especially when claims for both vehicle damage and property damage overlap. One company might argue that the other company is primarily liable for the damages caused to that property. Exercise patience but remain persistent — do not hesitate to seek help if the delays drag on.
This post was written by Kelly-Ann Jenkins of https://www.jenkinslawpl.com/. Kelly-Ann is an insurance claim Lawyer. The information on this site is not intended to and does not offer legal advice, legal recommendations, or legal representation on any matter. Hiring an attorney is an important decision, which should not be based on advertising. You need to consult an attorney for legal advice regarding your situation.
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