Steps for Writing A Car Insurance Settlement Demand Letter

Drafting a demand letter for a car insurance settlement can be a little intimidating. On the one hand, you want to get what you are owed as per the terms of insurance, but then, you don't want to be rude. This sounds absurd, but most people aren’t accustomed to demanding their rights in letter form, so they fear they will be tactless. Don’t worry, though. You have to be firm yet respectful when you demand a settlement. If you don’t think you can do it, hire a lawyer to do it for you. Know, however, that it can be done on your own. Consider this process: 

Step 1: Collect Documentation 

Take time to gather information pertinent to your accident including police reports, medical reports, witness accounts, and any photographs of the accident you may have. The more thorough the documents, the stronger your case will be. 

Step 2: Brief Introduction 

Use the introduction to summarize what happened, who is at fault and what you expect from a settlement. This is an opportunity to generally lay out your argument. 

Step 3: Demonstrate Fault 

With the body of the letter, demonstrate how the other driver was at fault. Include all pertinent facts, such as violated traffic laws or if alcohol was involved. Mention your good driving record, and if you were partially at fault, don’t mention that in the letter. 

Step 4: Injuries, Treatments, Costs 

Detail the expense of injuries, treatment and miscellaneous costs. These include medical costs, car repair costs and car rental fees. If there is time and pay lost from missing work, include that as well. 

Step 5: Settlement Demand 

Conclude your letter with the demand for settlement. This is the actual dollar amount, arrived at by totaling all of your costs. Briefly restate your main points, for this is a conclusion paragraph. 

Step 6: Send to the Insurance Company

Once your letter has been drafted, make sure you include the documentation, sign it and either mail it via certified mail or fax it to the insurance company. For a slight additional expense, you can have it so the insurance company must sign for the letter, guaranteeing that they received it. Again, you can always hire an attorney to do this for you, but it is possible to do it for yourself. You will be more knowledgeable for doing it on your own.