Insurance claim assistance. IELTS formal letter (General writing task 1)

You recently had a car accident. You were not injured, but your car was damaged. Write a

letter to your insurance company. In your letter:

• Introduce yourself and describe the accident.

• Detail the damage to your car.

• Explain why you need your car repaired quickly.

Write at least 150 words. You do not need to write any addresses. Begin your letter with:

Dear Sir or Madam, 

Video lesson on the topic:

Vocabulary for the Topic:

1. Cordial - warm and friendly in manner
2. Esteemed - highly respected or regarded
3. Acquire - obtain or come into possession of
4. Mishap - an unfortunate accident or incident
5. Colossal - extremely large or great
6. Incurred - become subject to or bring upon oneself
7. Indentation - a hollow or depressed area on a surface
8. Asunder - apart or divided into pieces
9. Expedite - to speed up or accelerate
10. Thorough - complete or detailed
11. Predicament - a difficult or challenging situation
12. Undivided attention - complete or full attention
13. Victim - a person or thing that suffers as a result of a particular event or circumstance
14. Lawfully - in accordance with the law
15. Proximity - nearness or closeness
16. Collison - an instance of two or more objects striking against each other
17. Impairment - damage or weakness
18. Exorbitant - unreasonably high or excessive
19. Restoration - the act of repairing or renovating something to its original condition
20. Predicament - a difficult or challenging situation
21. Prompt - immediate or without delay
22. Beseech - to urgently and fervently request or ask for
23. Encompass - to include or contain
24. Comprehension - understanding or grasping of something
25. Anticipating - expecting or looking forward to something

Note: It's important to use vocabulary in context and ensure its appropriate usage to convey the intended meaning accurately. 

Ideas for the Letter:

1. Introduce yourself:

• Share your full name, policy number, and length of time you have been a customer with the insurance company. Example: "My name is John Smith, and I have been a valued policyholder with your company for over five years, holding insurance policy number 123456."

2. Describe the accident:

• Explain the circumstances leading up to the accident, such as the weather conditions, road conditions, or actions of other drivers involved.
• Mention the date, time, and location of the incident. Example: "On the evening of June 15th, while driving along Green Street, I was involved in a collision caused by a reckless driver who ran a red light at the intersection."

3. Detail the damage to your car:

• Describe the specific areas of damage and the impact on the functionality of your vehicle.
• Use precise language to convey the extent of the damage, such as dented doors, a cracked windshield, or a malfunctioning engine. Example: "As a result of the accident, the front bumper of my car has been severely dented, the left headlight shattered, and there is noticeable damage to the driver-side door, hindering its smooth operation."

4. Explain the urgency of car repair:

• Discuss the inconvenience caused by not having a fully functional vehicle, such as difficulty commuting to work or fulfilling family responsibilities.
• Highlight any safety concerns or risks associated with driving a damaged vehicle. Example: "Given the nature of the damage, it has become increasingly challenging for me to safely navigate through traffic, posing a potential risk to my well-being and that of other road users."

5. Request for assistance:

• Express confidence in the insurance company's ability to handle the claim promptly and efficiently.
• Politely request their support in assessing the damage and arranging for the necessary repairs. Example: "I kindly request your prompt attention to this matter and your assistance in assessing the damage to my vehicle. I trust in your expertise to expedite the claims process and arrange for the necessary repairs to be carried out swiftly."

Remember to adapt the ideas and examples provided to your specific situation and maintain a polite and professional tone throughout the letter.

Sample answer:

Dear Sir or Madam,

I extend my cordial greetings to you. My name is Oleg Ivanov, and I am a valued client of your esteemed company, holding insurance number 126433. Since its acquisition in 2019, my 2016 Skoda Octavia has been under the protection of your insurance services. The purpose of this formal correspondence is to formally request an evaluation of the incurred damage to my vehicle and the subsequent coverage of the repair expenses.

Allow me to emphasize that this is my initial communication with your organization. Unfortunately, on the 26th of December, an unfortunate incident transpired while my car was parked in close proximity to a supermarket, resulting in a significant mishap. A colossal icicle descended upon my vehicle, causing substantial damage.

I am grateful to report that no personal injuries were sustained during the incident. However, my car bore the brunt of the impact, particularly affecting the rear section. The rear window has shattered, the roof exhibits considerable indentation, and an extensive hole has formed. Furthermore, in addition to the roof damage, one of the seats in the rear row has been torn asunder. In light of these circumstances, it is imperative that my vehicle undergoes expeditious repairs, contingent upon a thorough assessment of the damage by your esteemed personnel.

In precisely a fortnight, my family and I have a long-planned excursion ahead, which necessitates the utmost urgency in resolving this matter. We have meticulously arranged all the requisite accommodations along our intended route. Hence, I beseech you to expedite the evaluation process promptly. Should you require any further particulars, please do not hesitate to contact me at +79117961515 or via email at plushevih@tapochek.net.

With great anticipation of a swift resolution to this predicament, I remain,

Sincerely,

Oleg Ivanov

Sample answer 2:

Dear Sir or Madam,

I hereby extend my salutations as Evgeniia Ivanova, and I am penning this missive with the fervent hope that you may offer your esteemed assistance in resolving a predicament that has befallen me. For the past six years, I have had the privilege of being a loyal patron of your reputable insurance company, and it is with great reluctance that I find myself compelled to seek your undivided attention on this occasion.

Regrettably, my vehicle fell victim to an unfortunate incident yesterday, wherein an unidentified motorist caused substantial damage to it. Allow me to furnish you with further particulars of the incident. My 2016 Hyundai Gets was lawfully parked at the intersection of Nevskii Street, in close proximity to the esteemed Stockman Mall, situated in the heart of Saint-Petersburg. While I was engaged in a transaction within the store, an anonymous driver lost control of their vehicle, resulting in an unfortunate collision with my car, as attested by eyewitnesses.

Thankfully, I sustained no bodily harm from the aforementioned occurrence; however, I must confess to a profound sense of distress in light of this situation. My vehicle has suffered considerable impairment, including severe damage to the rear bumper and both rear taillights, substantial issues with the left indicator, as well as the rear door and window. The exorbitant costs entailed in restoring my vehicle to its former state are beyond my comprehension. Consequently, I implore you to conduct a thorough assessment of the damage incurred and assume full responsibility for the ensuing expenses on behalf of your esteemed organization.

Moreover, it is imperative that I beseech your expeditious aid in light of an impending family trip scheduled for next month. Thus, I kindly request that you accord immediate attention to my predicament. Should you necessitate any additional information, I remain at your disposal via the following email address: [email protected], or alternatively, you may reach me at my mobile number: +1 111 11-11-11.

Anticipating your prompt response, I remain,

Yours faithfully,

Evgeniia Ivanova.