You’ve been in an accident, and now you’re dealing with your insurance company. It’s no secret that this is a difficult process, with lots of twists and turns to navigate. Let’s explore some tips for navigating this difficult journey, so you don’t get lost along the way!
You’ll have to deal with a lot of different things along the way, especially filing the claim, and this process often has a lot of twists and turns. Let’s explore some tips for navigating this difficult journey, so you don’t get lost along the way!
Contents
1) Get Everything In Writing
Make sure that all parties involved are on the same page about what needs to be done next – who should call whom, when things need to happen, etc. And if you’re unsure about who is supposed to do what, ask! The Florida personal injury lawyers from Brooks Law Group say that “good service is just as important as good results”, which is why it is important to get everything in writing.
Make absolutely certain that your insurance company has all the necessary information on file – your name, date of birth, driver’s license number, registration number, insurance policy number, etc.
If anything is missing or incorrect at this point, it could cause a major setback down the road.
Keep good records of every conversation you have with the insurance company. If there are any misunderstandings or problems, later on, your notes will be invaluable in sorting things out!
2) Be Patient With Your Insurance Company
The insurance company isn’t actively trying to delay your payout. They are just doing their due diligence to make sure you aren’t lying about your claims or filing multiple claims with different companies, so be patient with them!
If you feel like they’re asking too many questions, ask them if there’s anything you can do to help speed up the process.
3) Know What You’re Covered For
Be sure to read through their policy and know what types of accidents are covered (if any), what is considered reasonable damage (which varies depending on where you live), and if anything needs to be done in a certain way for it to be eligible for reimbursement by the insurance company.
4) The Bodyshop
If you have been in a car accident and your car is going to be in the shop for an extended amount of time, always get rental coverage from your insurance company.
This can get pretty costly on your own, so it’s better to not have to worry about it. Many insurance companies will even cover a rental car for as long as your car is being serviced!
When it comes time to get your car repaired, ask for a cash estimate only. If they try to steer you towards a repair shop that offers the insurance company discounts or has special relationships with them, take this as a bad sign and go elsewhere.
You don’t want to be pressured into accepting the first option you receive; take some time and compare prices at different shops before making a decision.
If you have a choice between going to a cash-only body shop or one that takes insurance, choose the cash option! And don’t feel obligated to go with a specific business just because they provide a rental car.
If you’re uncomfortable with their level of service, trust your instincts and go somewhere else!
5) If They Say “No” To Coverage…
If your insurance company says they won’t cover your claim because of your deductible (the amount of money you owe before an insurer will pay for anything), there’s still hope!
Ask if they can raise because of extenuating circumstances, or if you can switch to an insurance company with lower deductibles.
6) Be Sure You Can Afford The Claims Payment
Finally, make sure that you can actually afford what your insurance company is asking you to pay.
The easiest way to do this is by using an online calculator to calculate the effects of a deductible on your monthly budget and compare it with your current expenses.
If you can afford your premium and deductible, then great! Go ahead and file the claim.
It’s no secret that the process of dealing with your insurance company after an accident can be difficult.
You’ll have to deal with everything from filing the claim, getting your car repaired, and following up on all correspondence you’ve had with them for this whole ordeal to go smoothly.
Make absolutely certain that your insurance company has all the necessary information on file – your name, date of birth, driver’s license number, registration number, insurance policy number, etc. If anything is missing or incorrect at this point, it could cause a major setback down the road.
Leave a Reply