Missteps To Avoid When Making A Car Insurance Claim

Unfortunately, an accident may occur regardless of how careful a driver you are. If something like this happens, and you need to file a claim, you must be careful because failing to follow the right process could cost you a great deal.

Although most claims follow the same general procedure, different claims may require certain variations. Thus, it is possible to make mistakes, especially if you are filing a claim for the first time. Below are three possible mistakes you should avoid:

Failing to Gather Evidence

If you are unhurt in an accident, one of your primary considerations should be gathering evidence. The priority is different if you are hurt, in which case you must seek medical attention first. Pictures and videos of the scene are one way to record evidence effectively. You can use your phone to take as many photos and videos as you need from different angles. The goal is to show the extent of the damage and the surrounding area, e.g., the weather, the presence of a stop sign, etc.

These images and videos can be key in determining the at-fault party. At the same time, ensure that you contact your insurer and ask them to send a representative. It is recommended that, if possible, you do not leave the accident scene until their representative assesses the situation and facilitates towing. It is also important to visit a hospital for a checkup, whether you sustained injuries or not. 

Ignoring the Police

Filing a report with the police is mandatory whenever you get involved in an accident. Thus, overlooking this crucial step complicates the claims process, and you may not get compensated. Even if the accident is minor with no casualties, ensure that you report it to the police.

Keep in mind that insurance firms compare their findings to the police report. Therefore, they may suspect the claim is fraudulent if there is no report to act as a reference. You can save yourself this hassle and suspicion by filing a police report after any accident.

Giving False Information

While it may be tempting to submit false information and reap unfairly from the insurance company, this is a costly mistake that could lead to the cancellation of your auto insurance policy. A representative from your insurance provider assesses your car to confirm the details you provided before you can proceed to their network of garages. If your claim is detailed honestly and precisely, they can clear your vehicle quickly to get the repairs done.

While filing a claim may seem fairly simple, it requires evidence and observance of the law. The guidelines above should enable you to go about the process more successfully. It is also good to renew your policy in time to avoid a scenario where your claim will get rejected.

Reach out to a local car insurance service to learn more.