Definition: The term "insurance pays" refers to the legal process of paying for or reimbursing costs related to damage or injuries caused by an insured driver's actions, either on the road or off it.
In most jurisdictions (including the US), a car accident is typically considered a personal injury claim, and insurance carriers are responsible for making payments based on their policy terms and conditions. This process may involve several steps:
1.
Identify the Insured:
In the case of an automobile accident, the party at fault (the "at fault driver") is generally identified by their name or license plate. The other party, if any, is referred to as the "victim."
2.
Claim for Liability:
The injured party files a claim for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.
3.
Insurance Claim:
If there is no liability, an insurance company will issue a policy covering the cost of claims made by the injured party under their policy terms and conditions. This coverage is typically provided in the form of liability limits, which determine how much the insurance company will cover if the at fault driver pays out.
4.
Claim for Compensatory Damages:
If an accident causes physical harm to another person or property, the injured party may claim compensation from their own policy, usually referred to as "self-insurance." This includes claims for medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.
5.
Review Policy and Coverage:
The insurer will review the details of your claim and determine whether they agree with the information provided by the at fault driver or the injured party. If the coverage is not covered by the policy, there may be an additional insurance premium that must be paid.
6.
Claim for Reimbursement:
After reviewing your claim, the insurer will review its policy terms to see if any of their claims are covered under your policies. If a claim is denied or limited due to insufficient evidence, you have the right to appeal these decisions through the insurance company's administrative process or directly with the court.
Understanding and following these steps can help ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries in a car accident.