What information do I need to file a car insurance claim with Nationwide?

What information do you need to file a car insurance claim with Nationwide? In the wake of an accident, it’s not always easy to wrap your mind around the info you need to file an auto insurance claim.

Fortunately, with Nationwide, the information you need is fairly straightforward. Regardless of the type of car insurance coverage you have, the data you have to collect will be the same.

What You Need to File a Claim With Nationwide

The information you need to file a car insurance claim with Nationwide starts with your policy number, your name, date of birth, and ZIP code. Nationwide’s site (or the agent you speak with) will use this info to verify you have an account with Nationwide and access your policy’s other details.

If you’re reaching out to Nationwide because you were involved in an accident with a Nationwide customer with full coverage car insurance, you should collect the same info from that person. You can find the individual’s name, policy number, and ZIP code on their insurance card.

Read more: Will my insurance premium increase if I file a car insurance claim with Nationwide?

Accident Information You Need to File a Claim With Nationwide

You should make a record of where the accident happened, the date, and the time of day. The location information should be specific and include the city, state, and street address.

For the street address, you could use a street number on a nearby building, the names of intersecting streets, landmarks, or a combination of all three.

It’s also a good idea to write down some of the damage your vehicle sustained in the incident, although an adjuster may find more later. This could speed up the pace at which Nationwide processes your claim.

For instance, if it’s clear your vehicle has to be declared a total loss, the agent you speak with may be able to indicate that likelihood in your initial conversation.

Accident Details You Need to File a Car Insurance Claim With Nationwide

Your objective when you file a car insurance claim is to give the claims department as much info as you can about what happened, so you’ll want to describe the accident in detail. Regardless of how much car insurance you have, you can maximize your actual payout by including as many details as possible.

To get you started, here are some elements of the incident you may want to write down:

• The direction in which you and anyone else involved were traveling
• Where in the street the accident occurred, such as in the middle, on the shoulder, or alongside a curb
• What happened moments before the accident?
• Weather-related elements that may have played a factor, such as slippery roads

Gathering and presenting this detailed information should help to streamline Nationwide’s processing of your claim.

Include Information About Other Victims When Filing a Claim With Nationwide

If there were other people involved or injured, such as another driver, passengers, or pedestrians, you should get their names and contact info. In the case of another driver, you’ll want to get their insurance details as well.

If there are witnesses, it would be a good idea to grab their contact information first, especially because they may have somewhere else to be.

Medical Information You Need to File a Claim With Nationwide

Details about any injuries you sustained and treatment you received—or need to receive in the future—should also be high on your checklist of info needed to file a claim with Nationwide.

Medical costs are expensive, so you should be as thorough as you can regarding injuries, no matter whether they’re major or minor.

For instance, suppose you had to slam the brakes suddenly before a collision. After the accident, you felt some minor pain in your heel but ignored it because it wasn’t much compared to other injuries.

However, you could’ve injured your heel bone, plantar fascia, tendon, or even a nerve. These injuries could keep you off your feet and out of work for several weeks, so it’s best to document everything, no matter how small.

Towing and Repair Information You Need to File a Claim With Nationwide

It’s common for a car to get towed following an accident, so you should be sure you know how much the towing service costs and keep a record of it. The same goes for repairs to your vehicle.

In some cases, you may not want to be out of a vehicle while waiting for Nationwide to arrange a rental, so you may get some quick repairs soon after the accident. You should keep track of these expenses as well.

Also, even if you have comprehensive car insurance and Nationwide has already communicated with a body shop, you should keep careful records of each fix they perform or want to address.

This is particularly important if they discover something after the initial damage assessment while performing repairs. For instance, if the repair shop discovers a bent frame while fixing what they thought was a simple fender-bender, you’ll want to document that.

Case Studies: Filing Car Insurance Claims with Nationwide

Case Study 1: Comprehensive Information Gathering

Emily was involved in a car accident and needed to file a car insurance claim with Nationwide. She gathered all the necessary information, including her policy number, accident details, and contact information of the parties involved. By providing comprehensive information upfront, Emily ensured a smoother claims process and expedited her settlement.

Case Study 2: Documentation of Damages and Expenses

Michael’s vehicle sustained significant damage in an accident, and he promptly filed a car insurance claim with Nationwide. He documented the damage to his vehicle, towing expenses, and repair costs. By keeping detailed records of all expenses related to the incident, Michael provided the claims department with the necessary information to accurately assess his claim.

Case Study 3: Injuries and Medical Treatment

Sarah was injured in a car accident and needed to file a car insurance claim with Nationwide to cover her medical expenses. She documented her injuries, treatment received, and any future medical needs. Sarah understood the importance of providing thorough information about her injuries to ensure proper compensation for her medical costs.

Final Thoughts on What You Need to File a Claim With Nationwide

Filing a claim with Nationwide is all about providing them with as much detailed information as possible. In this way, you boost your chances of getting the settlement money you need.

As soon as the accident happens, start documenting details such as when, where, who was involved, what happened, and any costs that result. In addition, by keeping track of injuries and medical treatment, you can provide Nationwide with a comprehensive list of your expenses associated with the incident.