A car insurance claim is a request made to your insurance provider for compensation after an accident. Your insurance claim not only covers the damages sustained during an accident but also represents you when you are liable for damages (at-fault accidents).
However, each time you file for a claim, you have to pay a deductible out-of-pocket before your provider covers your expenses. Therefore, you may have a damaged side mirror that is worth $300 when your deductible is $250.
Moreover, while there is no limit as to how many auto insurance claims you can make in a year, the more you file, the higher the chances your premiums will go up. Besides, some providers penalize you when you make too many claims in a year.
Here are some dos and don’ts that can help you file auto insurance claims correctly.
Do
1. Inform your agent
As soon as an accident takes place, call your insurance provider and inform them of the damages caused. Failure to do this on time can result in denial of your claim. Some of the questions your agent will ask you include;
• Was anyone hurt?
• Where is your vehicle located?
• Is your car damaged?
• What happened in the accident?
2. Get contact information of other people involved in the accident
It’s vital to get the name, address, insurance provider, and telephone number of the parties involved in an accident. This way, you can reach them in case your insurance provider needs their information.
3. Take pictures
Taking photos of the accident scene can help in supporting your claim to your insurance provider.
Don’t
1. Admit fault
It’s common to be in shock and confused after an accident. Therefore, avoid admitting you’re at fault immediately, until you know what exactly happened.
2. Negotiate with the person that caused the accident
If an accident wasn’t your fault, avoid negotiating with the person at-fault since they want to get out of the situation as painlessly as possible. Instead, submit your claim to the individual’s insurance company.
Hire us
Contact EZ Insurance today for more information about filing auto insurance claims.
