The right car accident insurance company can cover medical bills and other losses associated with a crash. However, insurers might investigate a claim to find reasons to deny it or offer a lowball settlement.
An insurer may contact friends, family members, and other witnesses. It could also request access to your social media accounts. You should limit what you share to avoid jeopardizing your case.
Cost
The cost of car accident insurance depends on several factors, including your state’s requirements and the type of coverage you choose. For example, collision coverage typically costs more than comprehensive coverage. Some insurers also include optional coverage types like accident forgiveness, which prevents your rate from going up after a first crash.
Car insurance companies have a financial incentive to deny or reduce the value of your claims. They are in business to make money, not to pay injured people. Hiring an experienced car accident lawyer who knows how to deal with the insurance company and protect your rights is essential. To know more about how car accident insurance companies work, learn more here.
Some insurers may try to discredit your claim by investigating your social media and other sources of information, such as witnesses. This can raise suspicions of fraud, leading to a lower settlement offer. An attorney can help you avoid these traps and ensure that the insurance company pays the total amount of your losses.
Coverage
If you have comprehensive or collision coverage, your insurer will likely reimburse you for damage to your car after a crash. You will typically have to pay your deductible, but the company will work with an auto body shop to reduce or waive that amount.
When an accident occurs, you must exchange insurance information and take photos of the scene and any damage. It would help if you also got the name, address, work phone number, and insurance policy of anyone else in the vehicle at the time. The other driver’s PIP or medical payments coverage will generally cover their injuries. Once this money runs out, you must go after the at-fault driver’s liability insurance to cover your injuries and losses (like lost wages).
When talking with an insurance adjuster, please stick to the facts of the accident and do not offer opinions about how it occurred. Anything you say could be used against you. Your lawyer can help you prepare for these types of interactions.
Value
Most insurance companies have a set of rules they follow when determining the value of your vehicle. They will go over your car with a toothcomb to identify all the damage and determine whether or not it was caused by this specific accident. They may also ask you about where you were going when the accident occurred or try to determine if you were driving erratically before the crash.
During these discussions, limiting the information you share to what is relevant to the accident is essential. It will help if you have yet to tell an insurance adjuster any personal details that could be used to contest your claim. This goes for car accident insurance and the at-fault driver’s insurance companies. In addition, you should not give out the names of your family members or friends to these parties as they can be contacted and asked about their opinions of your accident.
Customer Service
If you get into a crash, your car insurance company will assign someone to work with you on a claim. This person is known as a claims adjuster.
When you file a claim, they will likely ask to interview you for statements and to review medical records, bills, and proof of loss of wages. They will also want to see pictures of the accident scene from different angles, and if there are any witnesses, they will need their names and contact information.
When an adjuster calls, it’s important to remember that they are looking for reasons to reduce the liability of the driver they represent. They will probably try to pin the accident on you by asking, “Did you have your radio on too loud? Were you texting or talking on the phone?” Car accident attorneys suggest staying calm and declining to state until you have spoken with your attorney.
