![]() ![]() Also, suppose a claim is just a bit over your deductible. ![]() For instance, if your deductible is $1,000 and there is no property damage, or the damage is less than the deductible, then consider paying for the damage outside of your insurance company. If the repair cost is lower than your insurance policy's deductible, it's probably not worth filing a claim. When your claim is less than the deductible You might opt to have your car inspected to make sure you aren't missing anything before deciding to forgo a claim. Also, note that minor, low-impact accidents can leave hidden damage on your vehicle. If you don't have collision coverage, you won't be able to file a claim for personal property damage anyway. You could opt not to file a claim, as risking increased premiums might not be worth it. For instance, say you back into your mailbox, which leaves a small dent on your vehicle's bumper. If a minor accident only involves you and your car, a claim might not be necessary. Here are some of them: When you have only minor damage to your vehicle While filing a claim for damage caused to others is always encouraged, there are instances where you might consider not filing a claim. If you aren't at fault, file a claim anyway, even if you don't suffer immediate physical injuries. If you are at fault for bodily injury, your liability coverage will probably cover the other party's medical expenses. If you haven't filed a claim within your policy's time frame, it's possible you could have to pay for treatment out-of-pocket, according to Cox.Īlways file a claim after a major accident. For instance, if you have a pre-existing condition, you might not realize that the accident exacerbated it until after you receive medical attention. Some physical injuries may not be obvious at the scene of the accident. Several states have time limits for filing injury claims, typically 30 days, according to Dan Ferrara, a licensed agent at Liberty Mutual Insurance. Liability coverage will cover bodily injury if you are at fault. If multiple people are involved in the accident, obtain each person's ID and insurance information. "You should almost always file a claim if bodily injury is involved," says Cox. "If anyone else involved in the accident sues you weeks or months later, not having reported the incident will make it harder for your insurer to gather evidence to represent you," the Insurance Information Institute says on its website. Even if the damage seems minor, not filing a claim and reporting an accident is risky. Most states require liability coverage, which protects you from being sued and will cover at least part of the damage - bodily or physical - that was your fault. Be sure to take pictures of all documents and report the accident to the police or highway patrol. #Insurance word vs word license#If you damage someone else's vehicle during a collision, and you're at fault, you should always file a claim.Īt the scene of the accident, exchange information including names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance details, driver's license, and license plate numbers. You also have limited time to file a claim, so be sure to contact your insurer immediately after the accident. ![]() A repair shop could fix cosmetic issues like a dented bumper or fender while missing hidden damage such as a bent frame that can cause problems later. If you don't have collision coverage, you'll have to pay for repairs out of pocket.Įven if your vehicle is operational after an accident, it's still important to at least report it to your insurance company even if you choose not to file a claim. Collision insurance will pay for your repairs, minus the deductible. Here are some scenarios under which you should almost always file an auto insurance claim: When only your car is damaged and it needs major repairsįile a claim if your car is badly damaged in a single-vehicle accident. Some of the main factors to take into account when deciding whether or not to file a claim include whether property damage or bodily injuries are involved, what type of coverage you have, and even the relationship between the parties involved, explains Falen Cox, personal injury attorney at Cox, Rodman, and Middleton. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |