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How to Settle Accident Insurance

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Getting insurance coverage is not only about completing payments and paying on time, it is also about protecting your investment and your rights. It is important to know how to settle an accident insurance so that you will be prepared if an accident, injury, or medical malpractice occurs.


  1. 1
    Figure out a settlement amount. Before you start drafting your demand letter, already have a clear idea on how much any injuries caused by the accident should cost. To compute the amount, take into consideration the medical expenses involved, the income lost due to your inability to work, and, if any, how you missed a particular event such as a reunion, career training or a vacation due to the accident. Also take note of emotional damages, including stress, embarrassment, depression, inability to take care of children or family members, obstruction to sexual relations, and any damages incurred to property.
  2. 2
    Write a good demand letter. The first step in ensuring that you will have an accident or personal injury settlement is to write a demand letter.
    • The demand letter should describe in detail what your injuries are.
    • It should also explain why the other person is legally responsible for your injuries, what the medical treatment for your injuries are and how much it costs, how much your income loss was, what forms of damage you suffered from the accident, and why you qualify to make a settlement claim against the other person.
    • Your demand letter should contain accurate information such as the location and time of the accident.
    • You should also point out not just the physical injuries involved, but the inconvenience the situation has caused you.
  3. 3
    Be prepared to negotiate. Insurance companies usually make their first offer lower than what you are really worth. Be prepared to ask for the insurance company negotiator reasons on why the offer is lower than expected, and make sure to take down notes. The next step should be to negotiate and bargain for a higher settlement that is a little lower than the original settlement amount stated in your demand letter. But before you agree to lower your expected settlement account, wait and see first if the insurance company representative will agree to your asking amount.
  4. 4
    Cite strong causes and proof. It helps if you can be very specific and go into details or show a picture of the accident on why you deserve the amount you have cited in your demand letter.
    • Emphasize the strongest points in your negotiation, such as why the insured person is completely at fault, citing the medical bills you have to pay, and how painful your injury is.
    • Don’t limit your reasons to just the physical consequences of the accident. Share emotional damages that can support your claim, such as how your injury has rendered you unable to care properly for your child, or how the injury has caused you to spend less time with a family member who needs your support.
  5. 5
    Don’t be afraid to go to court. Be prepared to get calls or inquiries from the insurance company of the person who caused you to have injuries due to an accident or medical malpractice. They will talk to you to try to find out if you have any weakness they can use to their advantage, like for instance, a hesitation to go to court due to embarrassment or because you’re terribly shy. As much as possible, try not to reveal too many details when a person from an insurance company places a call. Also, be prepared to go to court, if necessary. Some people think that going to court and getting an attorney is only a waste of time and money, but sometimes, it is the only thing left to do to be able to get your claim on a settlement amount that is worth all your pain, suffering and injuries.

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  • In general, if you are unfortunate enough to get into an accident, take down notes and prepare to take pictures so that you will have more solid proof to support your claim. Do not feel embarrassed to go into full account of your suffering and discomfort during the whole accident and do not hesitate to negotiate and speak up when you think that the offer is not enough to cover all your injury expenses and other costs incurred. This will help you make your settlement claim for your accident insurance.

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