How to File Legit Car Insurance Claims

If you’re involved in an accident, you depend on your car insurance to cover any damages that are included in the policy. Likewise, vehicle insurance companies also expect you to be a responsible and honest customer, especially when filing a claim for damages. There are a couple of things to keep in mind not only to ensure that your policy will pay for damages, but also from protecting you from potential legal woes.
Honesty is Always the Best Policy

The cliche is true. While it may be tempting to “shop” among local body shops to get an estimate that reflects the most damage to your vehicle to send to your car insurance company, or conveniently drive your old clunker over a cliff, it can literally land you in a heap of trouble.

Auto insurance companies usually perform inclusive investigations when assessing claims, and if anything proves to be fraudulent, the claim is usually automatically rejected and denied. The insurance company may also decide to cancel your coverage. Furthermore, vehicle insurance fraud is a felony with harsh penalties.

Understanding Your Insurance Coverage

Many drivers simply don’t understand their car insurance coverage. The misunderstandings often result in customers attempting to file a claim not covered by specific policies. A common occurrence is accidents caused by a deer striking a moving vehicle. While most drivers assume their car insurance coverage is responsible for paying for damages from the accident; however, unless customers buy comprehensive insurance, such accidents are not covered.

Another example with winter driving, suppose you’re involved in a single vehicle accident caused by hitting a spot of black ice and crash into your neighbor’s mailbox, without collision car insurance coverage you’re responsible for damages.

Missing a Car Insurance Payment

Just as car insurance companies expect you to be a safe driver, they also anticipate to receive monthly or quarterly payments on time. Once you’ve missed a payment, insurance companies send customers a cancellation notification with a grace period when your coverage will be suspended. Although most car insurance companies reinstate coverage once payments are up-to-date; however, the problem arises if you’re involved in an accident during the lapse and suspension of coverage. In such cases, consider yourself solely responsible for paying any damages due to the accident.

Driving Intoxicated

Driving under the influence of either alcohol or drugs, or both, should be a no-brainer. The consequences of being responsible for an accident caused while intoxicated are quite severe. Not only does it have a negative effect on your car insurance coverage, but the consequences also extend into legal issues including suspension of your licenses and potential jail time.

Being a responsible and honest driver offers numerous benefits for car insurance customers. Always read your policies carefully and ask your local agent if you have questions before accidents happen. Also, to ensure your car insurance covers damages occurred in an accident, be sure to make payments on time and avoid driving while intoxicated.