How to File a Car Accident Claim with State Farm

Insurance companies think they can protect their reputation by putting out catchy songs and tag lines that grab consumers’ attention. State Farm’s “Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there” theme song is meant to encourage people to choose State Farm as their auto insurance provider and promote trust and integrity with the insurance company. However, do not be fooled.

State Farm, like every other major auto insurance company, always prioritizes its financial interest before its claimants and policyholders. For that reason, when filing a car accident, you must take steps to protect yourself so you are not taken advantage of during this difficult time in your life. An experienced Atlanta car accident lawyer at John Foy & Associates can take over the insurance negotiations process for you so you can focus on healing from your injuries and moving forward with your life.

When to File a Car Accident Insurance Claim with State Farm

Although you may be anxious to access the compensation you deserve, it is important to understand how insurance claims work and when it is necessary to file a claim with State Farm. Generally, since Georgia follows fault-based insurance laws, if your injuries occur within the state of Georgia, you will file a claim with State Farm if State Farm is the liable party’s auto insurance provider.

You might also be able to file a claim if you have no-fault insurance coverage or personal injury protection (PIP) through State Farm as part of your own auto insurance policy. However, before you file a claim against your personal auto insurance policy, it is essential to remember that doing so could significantly increase the amount of your insurance premiums. 

State Farm will lose money by paying out on your claim, so you can expect them to attempt to recoup these losses by increasing the amount you are required to pay when your auto insurance policy renews.

Filing a State Farm Insurance Claim

When you are ready to file a claim with State Farm, there are steps you can take to protect yourself from being taken advantage of by this nationwide auto insurance provider:

1. Call Law Enforcement Officials 

Always report your accident to law enforcement officials and get the police at the accident scene. Even if the person that hit you attempts to get you to pass on calling law enforcement, you may be obligated to report your accident to the police in instances of serious bodily injury, death, or substantial property damages.

Furthermore, when the police arrive at the accident scene, you have a greater chance of collecting evidence that could be used to prove the liable party’s negligence. When the police file a crash report, this data will be available to you when you file your State Farm insurance claim or bring your case to trial.

2. Contact Your Car Accident Lawyer for Help

Before filing your claim, make sure you hire a car accident attorney to take on your case. The last thing you want is to go into insurance negotiations without a legal advocate on your side. 

Your car accident lawyer will have an extensive understanding of how the claims process works and the insurance tactics State Farm might use to reduce your financial compensation. We will also be unafraid to go up against State Farm if they handle your claim in bad faith.

3. File Your Claim with State Farm

When you are ready to file your insurance claim with State Farm, you can do so by visiting their website, on the mobile app, or calling 800-SF-Claim (800-732-5246). Make sure you have the following types of information available before filing your claim:

• When and where the accident occurred
• The make, model, and license plate number of the involved vehicles
• A description of how the accident happened
• The involved party’s State Farm policy number
• The involved party’s names and contact information
• Photos of property damages and damage at the accident scene
• Names and contact information of car accident witnesses

Tips to Protect Yourself Against Profit-Focused Insurers

You have rights after filing a claim with the insurance company. You do not have to take the State Farm insurance representative’s words at face value or lose hope either. Here are some of the best ways to protect yourself when dealing with money-hungry insurance companies like State Farm:

• Do not apologize or express guilt for the accident
• Be prepared for the potential insurance policy misrepresentations
• Do not be surprised if State Farm delays processing your claim
• Expect a fast settlement that is worth significantly less than your damages are valued
• Do not provide excessive information
• Only give the insurance adjuster the facts of the case

State Farm, though prohibited from doing so, may deny your claim without just cause, attempt to trick you into settling for less than you deserve, or blame you for causing the accident. They may refuse to pay out on your insurance claim without investigating the accident as well. Thankfully, your car accident attorney knows all too well which tactics might be used in your case and will ensure State Farm does not get away with it.

Get Help from an Experienced Car Accident Attorney

Despite State Farm’s promise of “being a good neighbor,” when it comes time to file a claim, do not be surprised when they put their financial needs first. Thankfully, with a powerful car accident attorney on your side, you can understand the true value of your claim and feel empowered not to back down when State Farm insurance adjusters delay your claim or deny you the compensation you are due. 

At John Foy & Associates, our team is unafraid to go up against this national auto insurance provider. It is our goal to maximize your financial compensation and hold insurance companies like State Farm accountable for their financial responsibilities. Learn more about how much compensation you are entitled to and how to go up against State Farm insurance adjusters when you contact our law office for a free, no-obligation consultation. Schedule yours as soon as today when you fill out our secured contact form or call our office.