How to File a Car Accident Claim in Indiana with USAA

USAA has a five-step claims process: report, investigate, estimate, pay, and repair. File your claim as soon after the accident as possible. The quickest way is through the USAA Mobile App or their website.

While this may sound simple, navigating the claims process can be frustrating and time-consuming when you are suffering painful injuries. To make the USAA claims process easier on yourself, turn to an experienced Indiana car accident attorney with Truitt Law Offices. We want to help you understand how the process works and what an attorney can do to help you move through it smoothly and demand the money you deserve.

How Long Do I Have to Report a Car Accident to USAA?

The sooner you report a car accident to the insurance provider, the better. Although USAA doesn’t explicitly state a time limit for filing a car accident claim, the best advice is to report the accident as soon as possible – ideally within 24 hours. Some policies require drivers to report an accident within 72 hours of the collision.

If USAA is your insurer, you should review your unique USAA policy to determine specific deadlines and policy information. USAA is an American financial services company based in Texas. It specializes in providing insurance services to military members, veterans, and their families. Since the company offers insurance products in numerous states with its own guidelines, you should always review your personal plan for policy details.

What Information Should I Have When Speaking with USAA?

With technology practically at everyone’s fingertips, USAA allows you to report an accident and file a claim in several ways, including through an online app and over the phone. When you talk with a USAA claims adjuster for the first time, you will want to have specific information ready. It helps to create a written list so you have all the information available and can keep your thoughts on track.

Be sure to have:

• Both drivers’ contact information
• The date, time, and location of the accident
• Information or descriptions of the vehicles involved
• The USAA policyholder’s insurance policy number

Keep your initial interaction with the insurance adjuster factual and brief.

What Should I Say or Not Say When Speaking to the USAA Insurance Adjuster?

Despite their friendliness, an insurance adjuster is not your friend. These people work for the benefit of the company, not you. Your words can be used against you to reduce or deny your claim. Mistakes, omissions, and exaggerations can jeopardize your claim. You must carefully choose your words when conversing with insurance adjusters after an Indiana car accident – whether you are talking to the other driver’s insurance company or your own.

Remember the following when talking to an insurance adjuster:

• Remain calm and polite.
• Ask the person you are talking to for their name and contact information.
• Take notes during the conversation.
• Give a factual and accurate description of the accident, free from opinions and embellishments.

There are also things you should not say when speaking to a USAA insurance adjuster. These include:

• Do not provide specific details about your injuries or medical conditions.
• Do not assign blame or offer opinions or assumptions.
• Do not apologize or admit fault.
• Do not accept any settlement offer without consulting an attorney.
• Politely refuse to provide a recorded statement without an attorney.

It is equally important to avoid social media during this time. Your online presence and statements can hurt your claim. Working with an experienced Indiana car accident attorney is the best way to maximize your compensation.

What Happens After I File a Car Accident Claim with USAA?

USAA outlines how their car accident claims process works. Once you file your accident claim, the insurance adjuster gets to work investigating the cause of the accident and assigning liability for the collision. The company says this can typically take around 14 days. The claims adjuster will contact you and others during this time to gather the information they need to decide about the claim. You can check your claim status online at any time.

Next, USAA can help you get a vehicle inspection to determine the extent of the damage and the cost of repairs to your vehicle. If you have a deductible that applies, you must pay the auto repair shop once the repairs are complete and your vehicle is ready for pickup. USAA will send payment for any portion it is responsible for covering.

Will My Rates Go Up with USAA After an Accident?

Nearly everyone involved in a car accident worries about the eventual repercussions of a car accident claim, such as increased insurance rates. There is no definitive answer to whether rates will increase with USAA after an accident. Several factors can influence whether your insurance premium rises or remains the same. USAA admits that post-accident insurance rates depend on the policy location, state laws, and crash circumstances.

How Can an Indiana Car Accident Lawyer Help Me with a USAA Claim?

Navigating the USAA claims process should be easy. But when you are seriously injured, it can feel overwhelming. An Indiana car accident lawyer can help by:

• Investigating the cause of the crash
• Gathering and preserving relevant evidence
• Managing communication between you and the insurer
• Building a solid claim on your behalf
• Negotiating for maximum compensation
• Preparing a case for court when necessary

You deserve fair compensation for your financial losses. However, the insurance company doesn’t have your best interests in mind. An attorney can advocate for you, giving you the time and space you need to heal without the stress of managing the complex claims process.

Contact an Indiana Car Accident Lawyer

The personal injury team at Truitt Law Offices wants to help you move forward with your life. Let us shoulder the weight of filing and managing a USAA car insurance claim so you don’t have to. Contact our Indiana office today for a free case consultation.

Visit Our Indiana Car Accident Law Offices