The bottomline is, insurance companies are first and foremost, a business. So despite the fact that you have diligently paid your premium and monthly dues doesn’t mean that dealing with your insurer after a car accident is going to be smooth-sailing.
Here are some important tips to remember when dealing with your insurer, before or even after an accident:
Before
• The minimum liability insurance is not enough if you’re looking for the type of car insurance you’ll need to keep your finances safe in case of a car accident. Liability insurance will not cover your injuries or your family members or passengers, or even the damage to your vehicle – you need to also have insurance coverage such as Uninsured/underinsured motorist protection insurance policy or collision insurance.
• Ask your insurance company if there are any available discounts. For example, drivers aged 55 years old and older may get a discount for taking a driving class.
• Don’t just simply add your newly licensed teen driver to your policy (this can cause your rates to skyrocket by as much as 200 percent!) – instead, list your child as the driver because teen drivers who have good grades or go to driver’s education courses can get discounts.
• Take note that the more expensive your vehicle is (those with higher collision-damage costs or prone to getting stolen), the higher the premium you’ll have to pay.
• Your driving behavior affects your insurance – so if you get busted for DUI or get plenty of speeding tickets, your premiums will increase. It is better to drive safely and defensively to keep your insurance down.
After
• After a car accident, stay at the scene to cooperate with law enforcement, as well as to exchange names, addresses, driver’s license, and insurance information with the driver of the other car.
• Promptly report the accident to your insurer. Regardless of whose fault is it for the crash, informing your insurance company can ensure that you receive compensation for any injuries or damages you sustained.
• Know the terms and provisions of your insurance policy to understand your coverage in case of a crash. Your insurance policy may impose certain conditions that can affect your claim.
• If you don’t understand your policy or being led around by the insurance adjuster, hire the services of a California car accident attorney.
