How to File a Car Accident Claim with USAA

When you are involved in a car accident, one of the top ways to recover compensation for your damages is by filing a claim with the insurance company. The United Services Automobile Association (USAA) is one of the nation’s most popular insurers, insuring tens of millions of people across the U.S. 

Whether you need to file a claim with USAA as your own insurer or that of the liable party, preparing to negotiate with insurance adjusters is crucial. USAA, like most insurance providers, has a reputation for taking advantage of car accident victims and fighting to escape financial liability when claimants file claims. 

Your USAA Atlanta car accident lawyers at John Foy & Associates will be here to protect you and show USAA you are taking your claim seriously. Continue reading to learn more about filing a car accident claim with USAA and what to expect from the claims process. 

Filing a USAA Car Accident Claim

With USAA being one of the nation’s most popular car insurance providers, it should come as no surprise if you need to file a claim with USAA after a collision. Depending on the state you live in, you may be required to file a claim with your own insurance company if you live in a no-fault state or the liable party’s insurance company if you live in a fault-based state.

Here are some of the most important steps you should take if you need to file a claim with USAA:

Hire a Car Accident Lawyer 

Protect yourself and your right to compensation for your damages by hiring a car accident attorney to take on your case as soon as possible. Your car accident lawyer will be able to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of your accident.

This way, we are fully prepared with the supporting evidence and documentation we need to pursue your USAA insurance claim. We will protect you from being taken advantage of every step of the way.

Collect Supporting Information

There are specific types of evidence and information that should be collected if you hope to file a claim against USAA successfully. When you speak with the insurance adjuster, having as much information and supporting documents available is essential. 

Some of the most powerful types of evidence you should attempt to collect include:

• A thorough description of how the accident happened
• The day, time, and location of the collision
• A copy of the police report, including the police report ID number
• The make and model of the involved vehicles
• The USAA policyholder’s name and policy number

These are just a few of the types of information the insurance company will need to continue processing your claim. Having photos of the collision, surrounding property damages, vehicle repair estimates from repair shops, copies of your medical records, and photos of your injuries are also highly recommended. Your attorney’s investigation into the cause of the accident will likely uncover additional evidence that can be used when you file your USAA insurance claim.

File Your USAA Insurance Claim ASAP

It is important to get your USAA car insurance claim filed as soon as possible. Many insurance companies have a requirement that your claim be filed within 30 days of the accident. However, USAA has a time limit of 72 hours from the date of the accident. 

When you are ready to file your claim, you can do so with help from your car accident lawyer. Claims can be filed via the USAA website or mobile app, or by calling the USAA claims line at 800–531–8722. Make sure you have the policyholder’s policy number before filling out your claim.

What to Do When Speaking with a USAA Insurance Adjuster 

When you are speaking with the USAA insurance adjuster, it is important to be polite but provide as little information as possible. In fact, you can always direct your USAA representative to address their questions or concerns with your car accident attorney so you do not run the risk of saying something that could be used against you or manipulated by the insurance adjuster.

You can provide them with facts, but anything that could be open to interpretation should be left out. The best way to protect yourself is to have your attorney handle providing the insurance company with a statement and continuing the negotiation process.

What Not to Do When Discussing Your Case with a USAA Insurance Adjuster

The insurance adjuster will contact you to discuss the specific details of your USAA insurance claim. If you hope to protect yourself from being taken advantage of, here are some things you should avoid:

• Never agree to give a recorded statement
• Never accept fault or admit guilt for the accident
• Do not sign any insurance company documents until your attorney reviews them and gives the OK
• Do not give an opinion about how the car accident happened
• Do not accept a settlement offer from USAA without reviewing it with your attorney

It is not unusual for insurance companies to make insultingly low offers in the hopes of reducing their financial obligations. USAA is no different. If you receive a fast offer from the insurance company, chances are, they recognize the true value of your claim and are hoping to avoid paying out on it in full. 

They know you need money now and will offer you less in the hopes that you will accept. For this reason, make sure you review any settlement offers with your lawyer before you sign on the dotted line.

Consult a USAA Car Accident Insurance Claim Lawyer for Help Today

Dealing with USAA after a car accident can be challenging. With USAA fighting tooth and nail to avoid paying out on your claim, it can feel like an uphill battle to access the compensation you are due. Fortunately, when you have a powerful legal advocate on your side, you can rest easier. 

Connect with a USAA car accident insurance claim lawyer at John Foy & Associates today to take back control of your car accident claims. Fill out our quick contact form or call our office to schedule your 100% free consultation as soon as today.