Accidents happen. But here’s how to make a savvy claim on your car insurance.
Do
Make sure you know what’s covered by your policy. Not knowing all the details can be a major cause of stress, so always discuss all the finer details when you sign up for any new policy.
Common problems with cars include damage to front bumpers, rear bumpers and fenders. It’s a good idea to have these covered in your policy.
Contact your insurer straight away
It’s important to call your accident asap after an accident. Of course in the case of a severe accident, all the parties involved must be attended to first.
If you’re injured, ask a relative or partner to contact the agent. Sometimes waiting before you file a claim can delay your case or result in denial of the claim.
Take photos of the damage
After attending to everyone’s safety, take pictures of the car and the scene of the accident. This helps when making your case for a claim.
This tells the insurer what damage was caused and also present solid evidence of your case.
Get contact information
Always take as much contact information as possible. You should always report the incident to the police, but then get the contact details of the other parties involved.
Keep copies of any documents
Keep any records of medical treatment and your injuries. Also keep documents relating to the estimated repair costs for your vehicle.
Don’t
Admit it was your fault
Although you might blame yourself for an accident when it happens, wait till it’s investigated and other perspectives are taken into account.
It could turn out not to be your fault. However, if you immediately admit fault then you could cost yourself a large amount of money.
Accept compensation straight away
The insurance firm will try to compensation you straight away for less money than the actual cost. Instead of accepting the first amount they offer, seek legal advice and inform yourself about your policy.
Then, you can make sure you’re securing the right amount of compensation.
Sign an unverified document
Any documents you’re presented with to sign should be read thoroughly. Also, before signing anything, make sure you’re informed about how much money you have a legal right to claim.
Don’t sign anything too hastily. Consult a lawyer if you’re unsure of anything.
Take too long to file your claim
Insurers set time limits on how long you have to file your claim. The varies between companies so make sure you know how long this is.
Ask the agent how long you have to go over your case and make sure to send your claim to the insurer before this date.
If there are mitigating circumstances and your insurance policy hasn’t expired, the insurer might look at the claim after this limit. However, this isn’t guaranteed so it’s best to get it in early.
Buy the cheapest policy
Signing up for the cheapest insurance choice might seem like the best idea when you’re not encountering any difficulties, but as soon as you have an accident it can be a nightmare.
Always read your policy’s fine print and if it justifies a higher premium through giving you better coverage, it could be a better deal after all.
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