May 28, 2020
If you are in an automobile accident, there are certain steps that you absolutely must take. One of these steps is to notify the insurer for the at-fault driver, whether that is you or the other driver. Every insurance policy contains a notice provision, which requires that notice be provided to the insurance company of any possible claim very quickly. Most standard insurers will require notice “as soon as practicable,” while substandard insurers will often require notice “within thirty days.” We recommend that you provide notice immediately by certified mail with return receipt requested.
A form letter similar to the one that we use in our practice is shown below:
VIA CERTIFIED MAIL – RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED
[Insurer Address]
Re: Car Accident Claim
Name of Insured: [NAME]
Company: [INSURANCE COMPANY NAME]
Policy #: [POLICY NUMBER]
Date: [OCCURRENCE DATE]
Dear Claims Representative:
On date [DATE] I was involved in an accident with [NAME OF OTHER DRIVER] at [LOCATION OF ACCIDENT]. I contend that you have an obligation to provide coverage in this case.
This letter is intended to provide notice to you of the above incident. It has been sent immediately after the accident.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Very truly yours,
[YOUR NAME]
[ENCLOSE ANY POLICE REPORT]