Auto Insurance Claim Mistakes You Shouldn't Make
As a car owner, there is a good chance that you will need to file an auto insurance claim at some point or another. You might be involved in an accident, for example, or your car might be damaged by hail. When you file your auto insurance claim, just make sure that you don't make the mistakes listed below.
Not Filing a Claim
First of all, don't make the mistake of paying out-of-pocket for vehicle repairs that are actually covered by your insurance. If you aren't sure of whether or not you are eligible to file a claim with your insurance, contact someone from an auto insurance agency. They should be more than happy to talk to you about any vehicle damage that might be present and to help you determine whether or not you can file a claim.
Not Being Prepared to Pay the Deductible
Typically, policyholders are required to pay a deductible when filing an insurance claim. The deductible amount varies, depending on your policy. If you aren't sure of how much your deductible is, check your policy documents. Then, make sure that you are prepared to pay the deductible when having your vehicle repaired. If you'd like to reduce the cost of your deductible for future claims, you may be able to make adjustments to your policy. However, you should know that your premiums might go up.
Not Providing Enough Information
When you file your insurance claim, it is best to provide as much information about your situation as possible. If you were involved in a car accident, for example, you will probably be required to submit the police report. You may be asked to take pictures of any visible damage to your vehicle. Providing ample information the first time around can help you ensure that your claim is handled promptly and properly, and it can save you a lot of work later on.
Not Following Through with the Entire Process
After you have filed your claim, there might be additional steps that you will need to take. You might need to speak with an insurance adjuster to schedule a time to have your vehicle looked at, for example. Your insurance company might also ask you for additional documentation. If you stay in contact with your insurance agent and if you respond to any letters or emails that you receive, you should be able to complete the process without any issues. Your insurance agent should be able to tell you if there are additional steps that you need to take with your claim, too.
