Knowing when and how to file a car insurance claim is important. Knowing when not to file an auto insurance claim is sometimes equally important. When you file a claim car accident, insurance investigators evaluate the accuracy of your statements. Auto owners insurance claims unfortunately sometimes result in increased premiums.
When filing car insurance claim requests it is important to understand your exact situation and your auto insurance policies as well. Are you having car trouble? When is the right time to file an auto insurance claim? Read ahead to learn what to do when you are having car trouble and when to file an auto insurance claim today.
Many drivers wonder when they need to submit an auto accident claim. Circumstances dictate applicable answers and how to make the best decisions for you, your family and your money. The first thing to understand is the importance of both brevity and accuracy when you do choose to file an auto insurance claim.
Filing your car insurance claim while still at the scene of the accident often gets you the best, most efficient results as compared to submitting it later.
Has anyone been injured in the accident? If you, your passengers or another driver and his or her passengers are injured, it is time to file a claim. This is important if it is possible that you are found at-fault for the accident.
Failing to file a claim leaves you vulnerable to further legal action resulting in significant out-of-pocket expenses in the near future. Waiting to file a claim after an injury-involved accident also gives reasons for both your insurer and any other driver’s insurance to deny your claim.
What damages were sustained during the accident? Filing car insurance claim requests help determine what needs repaired and/or replaced. If damage is caused and you are at fault, file a claim with your own insurance company using your collision coverage policy. If damage is caused and other drivers are at fault, file a car insurance claim with their insurance company using their liability coverage policy. It is also important to file a claim if your vehicle is stolen by using your comprehensive insurance coverage policy.
A diminished-value auto insurance claim needs to be filed in the event your car loses value due to damages caused from an accident. A diminished-value claim is placed into three types of categories. Immediate diminished value, inherent diminished value and repair related diminished value claims are all valid types of car insurance claims. File the appropriate type of diminished value claim after an accident when the trade-in or resale value of your car has been significantly reduced by damages caused in an accident.
When researching the advisability of filing an auto insurance claim you are able to use various online search tools. Numerous traffic and insurance lawyer websites contain frequently asked questions (FAQ) sections. General online search engine sites such as Google, Yahoo! and Bing also generate numerous results when the viable search terms are entered. Examples of search term questions capable of yielding results to popular auto insurance claim-related questions include:
- Does my car insurance go up if I file a claim?
- Do I need to file an insurance claim for bumper damage?
- How long after an accident do you file a claim?
- Is a diminished value claim worth pursuing?
