Here are some of the things that you shouldn’t do when filing a claim with your auto insurer.
If you have never filed an auto insurance claim before, then you may not know what to do. If you’ve been in an accident and need to access your coverage, then there are a couple of things to avoid. Here’s what you shouldn’t do when filing an auto insurance claim.
- Work Around Your Insurance
After being involved in an accident, many drivers attempt to settle accident costs between themselves without getting their insurance involved. However, doing this is risky. Oftentimes, car damages look better than they actually are, and the money that the other driver gave you for repairs might not be enough. At this point, it would be too late to file a claim with your insurer, so you would be forced to cover repair costs on your own. Additionally, if you suffer injuries that are only discovered after you and the other driver exchanged money, then there’s no way to get your medical bills covered. Again, you would be left paying for these expenses on your own.
- Take Too Long to Call Your Insurer
It’s important to call your insurer and file your claim as soon as possible. This ensures that you can remember and recount details of the accident to your claims adjuster accurately. Additionally, most auto insurance policies include a clause that requires car owners to report claims “promptly.” Usually, this means reporting claims within 24-hours of the incident or risking the loss of coverage.
- Admit Fault or Assign Blame
When filing your claim, you must recount the details of the accident as accurately as possible without accepting blame or accepting fault. It is up to the police and your insurance company to determine who, if anyone, was at fault for the accident. So, avoid letting your opinion to bias your retelling of the accident and let your insurance company conduct their own investigation.
These are some of the things that you shouldn’t do when filing an auto insurance claim. Do you need help with your auto insurance? If so, then contact the experts at Steve Wilk Insurance. Check out our new office today at 310 S Main Street, Suite C, Lombard, IL 60148.