Progressive is one of the most popular auto insurance carriers in the United States, and thousands of California drivers have auto insurance policies with Progressive. Like most other auto insurance companies, Progressive offers policyholders several options for filing their claims.
Whether you’re filing a claim against another driver’s Progressive auto insurance policy after they caused an accident with your vehicle or you need to file a claim on your own policy, it’s vital to know how to go about the claim process.
It’s generally a good idea to secure legal counsel before you talk to any insurance company representatives after an accident. All insurance carriers have a legal duty to handle claims in good faith. However, they typically look for any and all reasons they can find to deny claims or reduce claim settlements as much as possible.
If you want the best chance of securing the maximum compensation available from a policy, it’s best to have an experienced Sacramento car accident lawyer help you file your claim.
Important Steps After a Car Accident in California
It’s important to remember that California law requires drivers to notify the police of accidents that result in property damage, injury, or death. If you are unsure whether a minor accident qualifies for a call to the police, it’s best to err on the side of caution and file a report. The police will investigate the scene of the crash and compile a police report for the incident. You will likely need a copy of this report for your insurance claim.
Your insurance company will also likely require you to notify them if you are involved in an accident, even if you did not cause the accident. Carefully review your policy terms and notify your insurer of the accident within the allotted timeframe. However, remember not to discuss settlement until you speak to an attorney if you intend to file a claim against the policy. Your attorney can help you draft a compelling demand letter, and an insurance company is much less likely to push back against a claim with legal representation behind it.
California Auto Insurance Rules
California enforces a fault-based system when it comes to auto insurance. This means every driver must have a policy that provides liability coverage in the event a policyholder causes an accident. California state law requires an auto insurance policy to include:
- At least $15,000 for bodily injury liability coverage for a single person.
- At least $30,000 in bodily injury liability coverage for all persons injured in a single accident.
- At least $5,000 in property damage liability coverage for a single accident.
While not required, California state law strongly recommends drivers purchase under insured and uninsured driver coverage. This coverage applies to your own auto insurance policy. If an uninsured driver causes an accident with your vehicle, you can file a claim against your own policy with this coverage option to secure some compensation for your damages as quickly as possible. You will likely need to file a civil claim against the at-fault driver to recover the rest.
Dealing with Progressive Insurance Claims in California
Progressive has grown to be one of the most popular auto insurance carriers in the country for several reasons. They offer affordable coverage to most drivers with a wide range of options for expanded coverage. Additionally, Progressive claim adjusters and representatives have high scores for customer service and friendly communication. If you recently experienced a car accident and the at-fault driver has an auto insurance policy with Progressive, you will likely need to interact with at least one Progressive employee to secure an insurance claim settlement. It’s even possible for Progressive to contact you about the accident if the at-fault driver notifies them.
It is vital to remember that it is always best to have an attorney handle interactions with insurance companies on your behalf. Your attorney can carefully review the policy in question to ensure you receive appropriate compensation under the terms of the policy. Once you obtain your settlement, your attorney can help you determine whether a civil claim against the at-fault driver is necessary to recover your remaining losses.
FAQs About Progressive Auto Insurance Claim Process
How Do I File a Claim With Progressive in California?
You can find clear instructions to file your claim with Progressive on their website. Progressive offers claim services online, over the phone, and through their mobile app. If you are filing a claim against another driver’s Progressive policy, it’s best to have as much evidence and documentation ready to accompany your claim as possible before contacting the company.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim With Progressive?
Most insurance companies require you to report an accident within 24 hours of the accident happening, but you have a bit longer to actually file your claim. Most insurance companies allow for two weeks to file your claim. When you call Progressive to notify them of your accident, ask them how long you have to submit your claim, and then speak to an experienced attorney before proceeding with the claim.
How Does a Progressive Auto Insurance Claim Work?
All auto insurance carriers handle claims similarly. The claimant must complete the appropriate claim form and submit it to Progressive within the allotted time frame. Once they receive a claim, they will appoint an adjuster to investigate the claim and verify that it is legitimate. The claim adjuster will contact the claimant and ask a few questions about the situation before sending a response.
Conclusion
It’s natural to have lots of questions after a car accident and filing an insurance claim can be much more difficult than you initially expect. If you are unsure how to approach an auto insurance claim through Progressive, or if the fault for your recent accident is unclear at first, it’s wise to consult an experienced motor vehicle accident attorney in California.
Kreeger Law Firm can provide the support and guidance you need after an accident, and our team has extensive experience handling auto insurance claims through Progressive. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about the ways we can help you resolve your auto accident claim.
