Accidents Happen

What to do if you are in an accident:

• If possible, move out of traffic into a safe location. Turn off your engine and call 911.
• Once you are in a safe location, exchange information with the other driver including name, address, phone, vehicle license number, driver license number, insurance company name and policy number.
• Be courteous but don't admit fault.
• Take pictures to document damage and the accident scene. Write down details of what happened.
• Call you insurance company right away - most policies require prompt notification of claim. Review and follow any instructions from your company as to what steps to take next. The insurance company has up to 30 days to investigate the accident to determine the extent of liability and coverage.

Settling your claim

Your insurance company MUST settle your claim in one of the following ways:

• Assume all costs to repair your vehicle damage sustained in the accident, or
• Give you a cash settlement if you vehicle is deemed a total loss by the company. 

If you believe your insurance company has failed to satisfy these requirements, start by contacting the adjuster assigned to your claim or their supervisor. 

If you still can’t resolve an issue with your insurance company after working with your adjuster, you can contact the Minnesota Department of Commerce Consumer Services Center at: 

Phone: (651) 539-1600 or (800) 657-3602 (Greater Minnesota)
Email: consumer.protection@state.mn.us
Address: Minnesota Department of Commerce, 85 7th Place East, Suite 280, Saint Paul, MN 55101
Web: File a complaint online

Keep in mind that filing a claim may increase your insurance premiums. Depending on the extent of the damage and the amount of your deductible, it might make sense to pay for the damage yourself and avoid a potentially higher premium.

Repairing Your Vehicle

Under Minnesota law, your company must restore your vehicle to the condition it was in before it was damaged.

If the repair estimates are less than the value of the vehicle, the insurance company will most likely pay for repairs. Generally, your car will be repaired by using the same parts of the same year and manufacturer. You cannot be required to accept "after-market" parts.

The insurer may assume all costs to repair your vehicle satisfactorily. However, if the estimate for the repair is close to the market value of your car, the insurance company might declare it a total loss and pay you the fair market value.

Your insurance company cannot require you to have your vehicle repaired at a specific shop, but you might be required to get more than one estimate.