Why Do I Need A Iowa Accident Report?
Why Do I Need An Accident Report?
Have you suffered injuries or property damages in an accident on Iowa roads? If so, you’ll want to recover a copy of your official Iowa accident report. In addition to being a handy document to have on file for your own records, this report can be a valuable resource if you plan to file a claim with your insurance provider.
This report contains all of the important details about your car accident. When you claim insurance benefits, your insurance adjuster will use the information in the report to decide what kind of settlement to give you.
Requirements for Obtaining a Iowa Traffic Crash Report
Although it’s always a good idea to call a law enforcement officer to the scene of the crash to file a report, in some cases, you are required by law to report an accident. According to IA Code §321.266, you are legally required to report any accident which results in:
- Death
- Injury
- $1,500 or more in total property damage
Common Questions About the Iowa Traffic Crash Report
Although you are not required to immediately provide a copy of your accident report to file a claim, many insurance providers eventually request one, as this will be how they determine what kind of settlement you are owed so that you can cover the costs associated with the accident.
When you’re able, you should always contact local law enforcement after an accident. Not only will they be able to collect evidence and issue citations, but they will also be able to file an official report. Insurance adjusters tend to prefer reports filed by officers, as they are often less biased than reports filed by individuals who were involved in the accident.
If you were unable to call an officer to the scene, you can file a report on your own. To do so, you’ll want to collect as much information as you can, including the extent of the property damage, any injuries anyone received, and the other driver’s contact and insurance information.
To request a copy of your official Iowa accident report through the state, you’ll have to pay a $4.00 processing fee. With us, you can access a completely FREE copy of your report online today! Click HERE to get started.
Your Iowa Crash Report and the Insurance Company
When you file a claim with your insurance provider, it is likely that your insurance adjuster will request a copy of your official Iowa accident report. They’ll use the information in the report to thoroughly investigate the accident as they determine causation and establish fault. This will help them to provide you with as fair a settlement as possible.
If they do not have access to your report, your adjuster will have a much more difficult time establishing the facts of the accident. This can result in a much smaller settlement than you were expecting, and in some cases, can lead to an increase in your monthly insurance rates.
We’re here to provide you with access to a FREE copy of your official Iowa accident report from the comfort of your own home. Just fill out our easy, 2-minute online questionnaire to get started. Click HERE to begin!
