5 Common Mistakes with Car Insurance Claims and How to Avoid Them
With 76% of Americans using cars for their work commute, accidents are bound to happen. That’s one reason it’s critical to make sure you have a good car insurance policy. If you’re in an accident, you want to get the settlement you deserve.
Read on to learn about five common mistakes with car insurance claims and how to avoid them!
- Forgetting to Exchange Insurance Information
Following an accident, be sure to exchange insurance information with the other parties. Get their contact information and insurance policy number. You’ll want to include this in your car insurance claim documents.
And if you’re confused about the claim filing process, it pays to partner with an experienced attorney. Consult this page on car accident lawyers for more help.
- Not Reaching Out to the Police
When you’re in the midst of a car accident case, you’ll want to contact the police. Even if you’ve been in a minor fender bender, call them. The police will document everything and compile an official report.
Also, don’t forget about the claim filing deadline. Deadlines vary by state and, in some cases, it could be one year after the date of the accident. Check your state’s filing deadline to be certain you take action in time.
- Failing to Take Pictures
At the scene of an accident, aim to document everything. Use your phone to record damages to your car and others. Take detail shots, too, to provide as much clarity as possible.
Additionally, take pictures of injuries as well as the scene where the accident occurred. Along the same lines, collect all medical records, witness reports, and other information that can impact your case. The more documents you have, the better your chances of collecting a fair settlement.
- Accepting the First Settlement Offer
Even if you get an offer quickly from insurance, don’t accept it. Insurance adjusters may give you a lower offer than is necessary to cover expenses. As a result, your budget may take a beating due to medical bills or lost wages.
Instead, work to negotiate with them. Consider ongoing rehabilitation needs and car repairs or a replacement as you lobby for a better offer.
- Not Seeking Medical Attention
Finally, make sure you seek medical care following an accident. A car accident injury might seem minor at first. But it can become more pronounced a few days later.
Worse yet, some chronic injuries can interfere with your ability to go to work. This is particularly true if you are in a physical line of work. Plus you’ll want to include medical documents in your claim report.
Avoid Mistakes with Car Insurance Claims
Making mistakes with car insurance claims isn’t unusual, but it is avoidable. Exchange insurance information with involved parties and contact the police. Seek medical attention and document everything.
Stay safe on the road so you can invest more time in enjoying your home and work life. If you need digital marketing help to boost your business, reach out to learn more about what we offer!
