With an annual claim bill payout of over $15 Billion per year, Allstate is one of the largest insurance companies in the world. Allstate processes more than 6 million claims each year. Their computer system, Colossus, and their claims adjustors are designed and trained to give claimants as little payout as possible. Are you really in good hands when you open an Allstate auto insurance claim?
File Your Claim: Get Organized
Regardless of whether you call a claims representative or you go online to file your claim, the more information you can provide the better. You can begin by using the claims worksheet provided online by Allstate. Stay organized by maintaining a detailed file that includes all of the information that relates to your claim, no matter how trivial each detail may seem.
Essential claim information includes:
- What happened and where it happened
- How many people and vehicles were involved?
- Who is responsible for the accident?
- Police report numbers (copies if you can attain them)
- Repair shop estimates and bills
- Photos of the accident
- Proof of work time lost
- Witness reports, if any
- Medical expenses
- Damages to be paid
- Present location of the vehicle
- Any other information pertinent to the claim
Understand Your Claim: Get A Better Offer
When you receive your first Allstate auto insurance claim offer, don’t accept it right away. The initial claim is approximately 10% of what you deserve. Make sure the offer you receive is in line with the plan you pay for. If at any time you feel you are not receiving everything you deserve, you are allowed to disagree.
If your accident was serious, you may not know the real cost of your accident immediately after it takes place. Post-traumatic injuries, follow-up medical treatment, and childcare expenses are just a few costs you may miss out on in the initial offer. If you can, get a non-Allstate estimate of costs associated with your accident. Keep in mind, even pain and suffering has monetary value.
When To Involve Your Lawyer
With the assistance of a lawyer, Allstate customers are capable of doubling the value of offers received as a result of an Allstate auto insurance claim. You can get what you deserve if you get organized, research everything, and hire a lawyer. Keep in mind, receiving an auto accident settlement does not mean you are going to be rich.
