Dealing With Insurance Companies: Insurance Claim Do's and Don'ts
Regardless of what type of accident you're in, there is no doubt that you will eventually be forced to deal with your own insurance company, as well as the agents from the companies of the other parties involved in the accident. Handling the insurance claim process in conjunction with the actual insurance adjusters can be quite an undertaking. First, the do's:
? Do call your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident or injury (unless you have been seriously injured such that this would not be possible).
? Do take the time to read and comprehend your insurance policy so that you can have a sense of what coverage your policy provides so that you can make the necessary claims. If you don't understand something in your policy, any Riverside auto accident lawyer can help you with deciphering the information.
? Do confirm whether or not you have more than one insurance policy that might provide coverage for the particular accident or injury. A lot of people have multiple insurance policies under which they might be entitled to file valid claims.
? Do write down the insurance details of all other persons who were part of the accident.
? Do get as many details as you can about the accident, to include photos of the damaged vehicles and any injuries incurred. You should also get the names and numbers of any witnesses to the accident who might be able to help you prove your claim.
? Do keep written documentation of all discussions and dealings with the insurance agents, as well as any other people involved in the claims process.
? Do keep all receipts and bills for all claim-related expenses, to include bills for any repair work done on the damaged vehicle, and any medical bills associated with the treatment of the injuries that are covered under your insurance policy.
? Do be forthright and truthful with insurance investigators so that your claim isn't denied due to fraud.
Now, the don'ts:
? Don't ever admit to any fault or liability on your part. Just state the facts without expressing any opinion. Liability is affected by a variety of circumstances; thus, it is not your job to admit fault. The insurance investigators will compile all the necessary facts and evidence and then make the determination as to liability.
? Don't provide insurance officers with anything in writing (regardless of whether it's your own or the other party's agent), if you do not fully understand your policy or claim.
? Don't let any time limitations to file your claim expire. All insurance companies require you to file a claim within a certain amount of time after the accident or injury; so make sure that you don't miss this time limitation, otherwise your claim might be considered invalid.
? Do call your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident or injury (unless you have been seriously injured such that this would not be possible).
? Do take the time to read and comprehend your insurance policy so that you can have a sense of what coverage your policy provides so that you can make the necessary claims. If you don't understand something in your policy, any Riverside auto accident lawyer can help you with deciphering the information.
? Do confirm whether or not you have more than one insurance policy that might provide coverage for the particular accident or injury. A lot of people have multiple insurance policies under which they might be entitled to file valid claims.
? Do write down the insurance details of all other persons who were part of the accident.
? Do get as many details as you can about the accident, to include photos of the damaged vehicles and any injuries incurred. You should also get the names and numbers of any witnesses to the accident who might be able to help you prove your claim.
? Do keep written documentation of all discussions and dealings with the insurance agents, as well as any other people involved in the claims process.
? Do keep all receipts and bills for all claim-related expenses, to include bills for any repair work done on the damaged vehicle, and any medical bills associated with the treatment of the injuries that are covered under your insurance policy.
? Do be forthright and truthful with insurance investigators so that your claim isn't denied due to fraud.
Now, the don'ts:
? Don't ever admit to any fault or liability on your part. Just state the facts without expressing any opinion. Liability is affected by a variety of circumstances; thus, it is not your job to admit fault. The insurance investigators will compile all the necessary facts and evidence and then make the determination as to liability.
? Don't provide insurance officers with anything in writing (regardless of whether it's your own or the other party's agent), if you do not fully understand your policy or claim.
? Don't let any time limitations to file your claim expire. All insurance companies require you to file a claim within a certain amount of time after the accident or injury; so make sure that you don't miss this time limitation, otherwise your claim might be considered invalid.
