Travelers Insurance offers these tips when deciding whether to file an auto claim:

• Was anyone injured?
• Has someone else’s property or vehicle been damaged?
• Are the damages above your deductible?
• If you answer yes to one or more of these questions, you should consider filing a claim.

According to the State of Georgia, Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire, the procedure to file an auto insurance claim is as follows:

• Keep your auto insurance card in your vehicle. It should have your agent’s name and phone number and your policy number.
• If your insurance company offers a pamphlet describing their preferred filing procedures, keep a copy in your car.
• If an accident has occurred, follow these tips:
  • Notify the police immediately. Ask the officer when the accident report will be filed and how you can get a copy. Get a copy of the accident report as soon as possible.
  • Get the name of the other driver, his/her address, work and cell numbers, vehicle license plate number and state, insurance company name, policy number and telephone number, and his/her agent. And get the names and addresses of all passengers and witnesses.
• Don’t discuss the specifics of the accident with other drivers, witnesses, or passengers. Don’t make any oral or written statements about responsibility or blame.
• Don’t tell others what your auto insurance limits or coverage is.
• Make notes describing the accident, the vehicles involved, their approximate speeds, the setting, the weather, the traffic signs and signals, and the road conditions. Take photos if possible.
• Notify the insurance company or agent as soon as possible after the accident, even if you are far from home and even if someone else caused the accident.
• Review with your agent how to proceed and what forms or documents will be needed to support your claim.

According to Value Penguin, these are the typical steps when communicating with your insurance company:

• Call your insurance company to officially initiate a claim. Have all the relevant documents and materials, including photos.
• When you call, your insurance provider will open a file regarding your case. Offer as much information as possible to expedite the process.
• After the call, the insurance company will review the material and assign you a claims adjuster. They will manage your case and take the necessary steps to settle your claim.