Insurance Claims Do’s and Dont’s

Being in an auto accident can be a life shattering experience, especially if your vehicle sustains major damage and if there is personal injury from car accidents. No matter who may be at fault, there are some basic things you should do. There are also some basic things that you should not do. Understanding these things can save you money, time, trouble and possible legal charges.

What to Do When Filing An Insurance Claim

It is very important to maintain appropriate contact with your insurance agent, if you have one, or the insurance company’s specific department that handles auto insurance claims. Some other things you should do include:

• If possible, take pictures of the accident scene, your injuries and damage to your vehicle.
• Understand what your coverage is and what is excluded from your coverage.
• Contact your agent or insurance company as soon as you are injured or when the accident happens.
• Know which policy is applicable if you have more than one insurer.
• Keep track of any expenses incurred in connection with your insurance claim as they may be reimbursable.
• Be forthright and honest with your agent. Failing to be honest may result in cancellation of your policy and legal prosecution.
• Keep notes of conversations with your insurance company and be sure to include names, titles and phone numbers.

What Not to Do When Filing an Insurance Claim

Just as important as the things you should do are the things you should not do when it comes to filing an insurance claim. Filing an insurance claim means you are making a written claim that asks for some type of compensation for damages from car accident reasons. Some things you should not do include:

• Do not accept a check or money offered as final payment unless you are certain it covers the damages and is acceptable to you.
• Do not miss deadlines and time limits that are specified in your policy. Failure to comply with these limits may result in being disqualified from filing a claim.
• Do not forget that your insurance claim is being filed because you have a paid contract with your insurance company. This means they have a legal obligation to give you the coverage you have paid for. Don’t settle for less.
• Do not accept the appraisal or estimate from your insurance company as etched in stone. Some insurance companies will sometimes try to strong arm you into taking their estimate or appraisal without getting a second opinion. This is because insurance companies sometimes estimate low to save the company money.
• Do not provide any verbal or written statements to the insurance company unless you understand what your coverage is when settling auto insurance claims. You are not required to let the insurance company record your conversations with them.
• Do not sign any waivers or releases until you have sought appropriate legal advice.

• If you need legal assistance with an Auto Injury Claim, please consult with a Car Accident Lawyer near you to discuss the details of your case. The content of this article is provided for informational purposes only.