What to do after an accident or incident - and other answers to your questions

When you’ve had an accident you need your insurance company to spring into action. You need people who understand your concerns, who know the best resources for repairs, and who can take care of you. That’s why Palisades has a range of services and really helpful claim services staff.

Here are common topics about accidents and claims.

 

 

 

What to do after an auto accident

Here are a few steps to follow if you are ever involved in an accident:

• First, make sure that everyone involved is safe and that any necessary medical care is being provided.
• Then, notify the local police.
• Write down the following information:
  • Location, date, and time
  • Names, addresses, insurance information, and license numbers for all drivers and passengers involved
  • License plate numbers and vehicle descriptions
  • Any injuries that you witness
  • Names and telephone numbers of any witnesses
• Then, you should report your accident to us immediately. You can call 877.PAL.NICE (that’s 877.725.6423). We’re here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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How to report an auto accident

If you are involved in an accident, just call 877.PAL.NICE (that’s 877.725.6423). You can report your claim to us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Remember, the sooner you contact us, the sooner we can get you back on the road.

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How to report a claim on your umbrella, home, or flood policy

Umbrella Insurance

Your Palisades Personal Umbrella policy provides additional liability insurance beyond your vehicle insurance and home insurance. If you have an accident or claim for your Palisades vehicle insurance, call 877.PAL.NICE. If you have an incident with a claim for your home insurance, call your primary insurer or agent and remind them that you have Palisades Umbrella Insurance. 

As always, just call us on 877.PAL.NICE (that’s 877.725.6423) if you have any further questions.

Home and Flood Insurance

For a New Jersey flood insurance claim, call your agent or 877.PAL.NICE. We're here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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How to replace a damaged windshield or window 

A chipped, cracked or broken windshield or window is potentially dangerous and should be repaired right away. If you have personal auto insurance and purchased comprehensive coverage, or if you have commercial auto insurance and purchased enhanced coverage, Palisades will repair or replace glass damage to your car.

Just call us at 877.PAL.NICE (that’s 877.725.6423). We’ll help schedule an appointment at a glass repair shop or arrange to have a repair van come to your vehicle.

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How to obtain payment for towing a disabled vehicle 

Nothing is more frustrating than a car that won’t start. If you purchase towing and labor coverage, and your vehicle is disabled due to a mechanical problem, you can have it towed to a repair shop. We’ll reimburse your towing costs up to the amount of coverage you purchased. Just call us at 877.PAL.NICE (that’s 877.725.6423) to file a claim for reimbursement.

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How to obtain a damage appraisal prior to repair

If you have purchased collision coverage and your car is damaged, we’ll send a Crashbusters^® van to your home, office or wherever your vehicle is towed to appraise the damage. If you have a personal auto policy or have selected personal passenger vehicles with a commercial auto policy, you can have the damage repaired at a Palisades guaranteed repair shop - you don’t need to get appraisals from multiple repair facilities. In most cases,we can also write you a check immediately. With Crashbusters, we can also email you the full appraisal along with photographs of the damage.

If you select Door to Door Valet Claims Service, you won’t need to get a single appraisal yourself. We'll arrange towing, repair, and your car's return. Door to Door is available for personal auto policyholders with the necessary coverages and for selected personal passenger vehicles for commercial auto policyholders. Just ask about Door to Door when you call us at 877.PAL.NICE (that’s 877.725.6423).

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How to find a repair shop

After your damaged vehicle is appraised we'll be glad to recommend a Palisades Guaranteed Repair Shop for personal passenger vehicles in your area. These are available for selected vehicles covered under a commercial insurance policy. If you choose one of these shops, we’ll guarantee the repairs for as long as you own the vehicle.

If you do not choose a Guaranteed Repair Shop, you can still take your vehicle to any licensed repair facility.

If you select Door to Door Valet Claims Service, your car will be picked up and delivered right back to you after being repaired.

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How to receive Door to Door Valet Claim Service^SM

With Door to Door, getting your car fixed couldn’t be easier. All you have to do is report your claim to Palisades by calling 877.PAL.NICE (that’s 877.725.6423). Door to Door is available for personal auto insurance policyholders with comprehensive and collision coverage, and for commercial insurance policyholders selected vehicles, accident types, and coverages.

You don’t have to leave your home or office, visit a repair shop, or find a rental car.

First, we provide you with a list of nearby Door to Door body shops. We’ll arrange to pick up your damaged vehicle and have it towed to the Door to Door shop you select. If you have rental coverage, we’ll arrange to have a rental vehicle delivered to you.

If the damages are under $5,000, in most cases your car will be repaired in eight business days or less (excepting theft, flood and hail damage). When your car or truck is repaired, we’ll arrange to have it delivered to your home or office, pick up the rental and return it.

We do it all for you, from start to finish. In addition, because you are using a Guaranteed Repair Shop, the work is guaranteed for as long as you own or lease the vehicle.

Door to Door Valet Claim Service is just one of the nice services you can count on every day with Palisades.

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How to apply for benefits if someone is injured

If you or any of your passengers were injured in the accident, it is very important that you contact us immediately. You may be eligible for personal injury protection or medical payment benefits for medical expenses resulting from your injuries. Our professional case managers are here to help ensure you receive the most appropriate level of medical care needed.

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What is the Palisades policy on after-market and used parts

Palisades uses only Original Equipment Manufacturers’ (OEM) parts for our customers, unless original parts are no longer available or of sufficient quality. For certain older model vehicles we will use quality recycled OEM parts, when available.

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How can I get photographs of the auto damage

If you select Crashbusters, we can email you the full appraisal report, along with photographs of the damage.

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What happens if the estimate from the repair facility is more than the estimate from the Palisades representative

Repair estimates may differ for a number of reasons. Don’t worry, we’ll handle everything for you.

We ask to be notified if additional damage is discovered by the repair shop. We’ll either authorize repair or inspect your vehicle again. If we inspect the vehicle again, we can email you the full updated appraisal, along with photographs of the damage. Either way, we’ll make sure there is no delay in the process.

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Get a copy of the medical pre-certification form for my physician

If you are injured in an accident, your physician may need to complete a medical pre-certification form. Click here to download the form, which might be required for approval of some medical treatments. The form includes instructions, our fax number, and mailing address.

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Will an accident affect my automobile insurance rates

Your agent can best answer this question for you. When speaking to your agent, ask if you are eligible for the Palisades Accident Forgiveness program.

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Do I pay a deductible if the accident wasn’t my fault

At Palisades, we don’t think you should be responsible for your deductible if the accident is not your fault. That’s why we’ll work to obtain recovery of any money paid, including your deductible from the party at fault or their insurer. This process is called subrogation. Working to secure reimbursement for you is part of our commitment to provide great customer service.

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Note: This material is not a replacement for, or an addendum to, your policy contract. Comprehensive or collision coverage is required for Guaranteed Lifetime Repairs. For a complete description of your coverages and definitions, please refer to your Palisades policy.