How does the car insurance claims process differ for uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage with Nationwide?

How does the car insurance claims process differ for uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage with Nationwide? Being involved in an accident with an uninsured/underinsured driver can be incredibly stressful, and you may not know what to expect.

Fortunately, when you know how to correctly handle a car accident, you can then work alongside Nationwide to ensure it’s a manageable task and you’re clear on what to expect.

The Differences in the Car Insurance Claims Process for Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage With Nationwide

So, how does the car insurance claims process differ for uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage? When you’re with Nationwide, the claims process for uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage doesn’t diverge significantly from the traditional car insurance claims procedure with Nationwide.

The steps are fundamentally the same, but a few additional considerations come into play. Therefore, if you’ve been involved in an incident, let Nationwide know what’s happened and begin the claims process as soon as possible, either by phone, by app, or through its website.

The only potential issue with this is if you don’t have uninsured/underinsured coverage on your Nationwide policy. If you have a comprehensive policy, then, in most cases, you’ll be fine.

However, if you have a basic policy, such as a standard third-party-only policy or collision only, then you may not. In a case like this, you may not be able to claim everything you would like.

How to Find Out Whether Your Nationwide Car Insurance Policy Has Uninsured/Underinsured Coverage

To determine whether your Nationwide car insurance coverage includes uninsured/underinsured motorist benefits, you can refer to your policy document, which details all your coverages.

Alternatively, you can log in to your account online or via the Nationwide mobile app and view your policy details. If you’re still unsure, get in touch with your Nationwide insurance agent or customer service for assistance.

They can review your policy and clarify what types of coverage you currently have, including uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

Making a Nationwide Car Insurance Claim When Involved in an Accident with an Uninsured/Underinsured Driver

We understand that being involved in an accident can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. It’s usually quite shocking in many ways, and it’s easy to forget what to do. To help you along the way, here we break down the steps to guide you through this process with Nationwide.

Reporting the Incident

When you’re involved in an accident, you initiate the claims process by reporting the incident to Nationwide. The circumstances of the accident dictate whether you’ll be claiming your uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.

Even if you suspect the other driver lacks sufficient insurance, you’ll follow the usual reporting process.

Investigation

This step is where the primary difference lies. In addition to assessing the damage and injuries caused by the accident, Nationwide will also verify the other driver’s insurance status.

If the driver lacks insurance, your claim is processed under uninsured motorist coverage. If the driver is insured but their coverage is insufficient, your claim falls under your underinsured motorist coverage.

Settlement

The claim settlement process is identical regardless of the type of coverage under which your claim falls. Once Nationwide validates your claim, it will calculate the payout based on the policy’s coverage limits and issue the settlement.

While the steps in the claims process remain consistent, the element that changes when dealing with uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is the nature of the investigation and the coverage that is ultimately used to settle your claim.

Understanding this difference helps ensure you’re prepared to navigate the claims process, whatever the situation may be.

Case Studies: Car Insurance Claims Process for Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage With Nationwide

Case Study 1: John’s Uninsured Motorist Claim

John was involved in a car accident caused by an uninsured driver. He had uninsured motorist coverage on his Nationwide policy. John reported the incident to Nationwide and initiated the claims process.

Nationwide verified the other driver’s lack of insurance and processed John’s claim under his uninsured motorist coverage. Once the claim was validated, Nationwide calculated the payout based on the policy’s coverage limits and issued the settlement.

Case Study 2: Sarah’s Underinsured Motorist Claim

Sarah was in a car accident with a driver who had insurance but insufficient coverage. She had underinsured motorist coverage on her Nationwide policy. Sarah followed the same reporting process as any other accident and initiated the claims process with Nationwide.

Nationwide investigated the accident, assessed the damage and injuries, and verified the other driver’s insurance status. Since the other driver’s coverage was insufficient, Sarah’s claim fell under her underinsured motorist coverage. Nationwide settled the claim based on the policy’s coverage limits.

Case Study 3: Mark’s Lack of Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Mark was involved in a car accident with an uninsured driver. However, Mark did not have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage on his Nationwide policy. He had opted for a basic policy that only provided third-party coverage.

As a result, Mark was unable to claim the damages from the uninsured driver. He had to bear the financial burden of repairing his vehicle and covering any medical expenses resulting from the accident.

Final Thoughts on the Nationwide Car Insurance Claims Process With Uninsured/Underinsured Coverage

Being prepared for any situation on the road includes understanding what your car insurance policy covers, especially in cases where you might encounter uninsured or underinsured drivers. Nationwide provides a range of coverage options to protect you financially in such scenarios.

From initiating the claims process to understanding the details of your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, being knowledgeable helps ensure you’re prepared for any eventuality.

Remember, the key to a smooth claims process is understanding your policy thoroughly and maintaining open communication with your insurer.