Dos & Don’ts When Dealing with Insurance Companies
If you’re involved in a motor vehicle accident, you will have to deal with insurance companies as part of the claims process. Though your personal injury attorney can help you navigate these transactions, keep the following dos and don’ts in mind:
Do:
- Contact your insurance company as soon as you’re in an accident. Prompt accident reporting might be part of your contract and failing to report an accident in a timely manner could result in your insurance company refusing to provide you coverage. It should be one of the first things you do after an accident, after calling emergency services or medical care.
- Periodically review your coverage so that you understand its terms before you must use it. Make sure you know both your “coverage” and “exclusions” sections well.
- Consider many types of policies and their coverages following any accident. Most people don’t know that they could have coverage for a claim under a different type of policy – such as a homeowner’s policy, umbrella policy, or even a work benefit.
- Help your insurance company – and your claim – by providing additional evidence that supports it. Examples include photos of property damage, the accident scene, and your injuries.
- Take notes during each conversation with an insurance agent, claims adjuster, or supervisor. Ask for each person’s name and write it down in case you need to refer to a conversation later.
- Be honest with your insurer. Sticking to the facts is an essential part of your claim. If an insurer finds out you’re lying or exaggerating, you could lose your right to coverage.
- Keep all your receipts related to your accident, whether it’s for lodging, transportation, or recuperation from your injuries. These could prove helpful in determining a fair settlement amount for your claim.
- Know the difference between replacement coverage and actual cash value. If you pay for replacement coverage, don’t settle for the depreciated cash value for your assets or property. A personal injury attorney can help you understand the terms of your insurance policies and make sure you’re getting the most from your policy.
Don’t:
- Never give consent for recorded conversations with your insurer unless your attorney gives the go-ahead. You do not need to allow a recorded conversation and doing so could affect your claim.
- Don’t accept the first settlement offer. This is often a low-ball attempt to get you to accept less than what your claim is worth. Look at the first settlement offer as a starting point for negotiations, not something you’re under any obligation to accept.
- Never sign any waivers or blanket releases until you consult an attorney. Requests for medical records can be particularly tricky, as insurance companies need access to your records to ascertain your damages. You’ll want to wait until the full extent of your injuries manifest and your provider records them before letting any claims adjuster use your records. An attorney can help you determine when to sign a release or waiver.
- Don’t ignore the terms of your policy. For example, most insurance companies require a proof of loss statement within a certain time. Neglecting to turn in any documentation on time could result in a denial of coverage.
- Never give your insurer more information than necessary. Provide all the details and facts surrounding an accident, but don’t editorialize. Most important, never admit fault when talking to an attorney or officer. Giving too much detail could negatively affect your claim, instead of helping the process. If you have further questions about talking to an insurance company, ask a personal injury attorney.