In the aftermath of a car accident, you will likely want to hold the liable driver responsible for your injuries and any property damage you have suffered. To do so, you will need to go through an insurance company such as Allstate. The following article will provide some information regarding Allstate insurance car accident claims.
What Types of Car Insurance Does Allstate Offer?
Allstate Insurance Company offers the following types of insurance to its policyholders:
- Bodily injury liability: Bodily injury liability is required for all drivers. If someone is injured as a result of an auto accident you caused, this type of coverage will help pay for an individual’s medical bills and lost wages.
- Property damage liability: Property damage liability insurance is also required for all drivers. If you damage another person's property, such as a fence or garage door, with your vehicle, this coverage can help protect you by compensating for those damages.
- Personal injury protection (PIP): If you're injured in a car accident, PIP insurance coverage can help pay your health insurance deductible (if you have one) as well as any medical costs that exceed your health insurance limits. This coverage may also help pay for your lost wages and "loss of services," such as picking up your kids from school, while you recover. Note- PIP insurance is not available in Illinois.
- Medical payments: Like PIP insurance, this type of coverage may help pay for any medical bills related to a car accident. It is important to note that this coverage also extends to your passengers, as well as to a family member who was driving your car when the accident occurred. Also, if you or a family member are injured in another car or as a pedestrian, this coverage can help pay for those related medical expenses.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist: Unfortunately, not everyone who drives is insured. Others are underinsured. Uninsured/underinsured insurance coverage can help protect you if you are ever hit by a driver who has no auto insurance or whose policy limits are too low to cover the accident's full costs. This type of insurance can help pay for your medical bills and could also possibly provide compensation for any resulting damage to your vehicle.
- Collision: If you need to repair or replace your vehicle after you get into a collision with another car or object, this type of coverage can help cover the costs for doing so.
- Comprehensive: This type of coverage can help you pay for any damage to your car that isn't related to an auto accident. Some examples of this kind of damage include theft, damage by animals, fire, or falling objects.
- Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP): If your vehicle is totaled in an accident or stolen, your insurance company typically will pay you fair-market value for the car. However, if you still happen to owe a financial institution more than the car is worth after the accident, this type of coverage can help reimburse you for the difference in cost.
What is the Allstate Car Insurance Claim Process?
The typical Allstate insurance claim process is as follows:
- You will file and track your claim. After you file an Allstate auto insurance claim, you will receive a claim number which will allow you to track the status of your claim. When you file your claim, it might be helpful to have some of the following information/documentation on hand- the contact and insurance information for anyone involved in the accident; information regarding the location of the accident and any notable weather conditions; photos of any vehicle damage; and a copy of the accident report.
- Allstate will evaluate the damage to your vehicle. After you file your claim, Allstate will assess the damage to your vehicle. Depending on the eligibility of your claim, you may be able to submit your car damage photos via QuickFoto Claim.
- You will need to review your estimate. Once Allstate evaluates the damage to your vehicle, you will receive a repair estimate, as well as details about your claim settlement. Your claim payment will be based on the terms and coverage in your specific insurance policy.
- You will get your car repaired. After receiving your estimate, you will be responsible for getting your car repaired. You can choose where to take your car for repairs. You are also entitled to ask the auto shop to use original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts to repair your car instead of less expensive “after-market” parts. However, it is important to consult your specific policy regarding OEM parts, as the OEM parts the shop uses could be new or recycled, depending on the language of your policy. Additionally, your policy may not include language regarding OEM parts at all. In this case, if you want OEM parts, you may be responsible for paying the difference in cost between the parts in the adjuster's estimate and the OEM parts. If you are looking for an auto shop within Allstate’s network, you can use this link- Allstate Good Hands® Repair Network.
- You will receive a settlement amount for your claim. Once your claim is processed, Allstate may choose to pay your claim amount directly to the repair shop or send you money to reimburse you for the repair costs, depending on your specific situation. If your vehicle is totaled in an accident, and you have comprehensive or collision coverage, Allstate will pay you the actual cash value of your vehicle (minus your deductible), which represents the depreciated value of your vehicle. You would then use this money toward the purchase of a new vehicle.
Some Considerations to Make Regarding Insurer Claims
Before commencing the claims process with Allstate, there are some considerations you should make regarding insurer claims in general:
- An insurer is only required to pay damages up to the value of your vehicle. If you have received a repair estimate and it appears that the repair costs will exceed the value of your car, the insurer will often declare it a total loss, pay you the fair market value, and take possession of your car.
- The amount of your damage claim is based on the value of the property at the time of the accident; the value of the claim has nothing to do with how much you originally paid for the property.
- The insurer will not expect you to accept their adjuster’s estimate until you have established to your own satisfaction that it will cover the cost of repairs.
- The insurer will expect you to get at least one estimate from your mechanic, garage, or car dealer, to compare to their estimate.
- Your insurance company may opt to pay for the lowest estimate bid, as they want to ensure that their payouts remain as low as possible.
- Your insurer cannot require you to have repairs done at a particular shop. However, it can insist that you get more than one estimate for the work to be done on your car if they feel the estimate you received is too high.
- You do not have to accept an estimate if you believe the amount will not adequately repair your car; feel free to negotiate with the insurer if your mechanic has indicated that the cost of repairs is much higher than the insurer’s estimate.
Were You Recently Injured in a Car Accident? Contact A Personal Injury Lawyer
If you were recently injured in a car accident, the Palermo Law Group can help. Our Oak Brook personal injury law firm consists of knowledgeable attorneys with over 25 years of experience handling personal injury claims resulting from car accidents. As a car accident lawyer, I will do my best to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries. Please contact us today to schedule a free consultation appointment.