Imagine a situation in which you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident. While your immediate attention turns to your health, well-being and treatment plan, there’s something else to think about: filing an insurance claim.
This sounds simple enough. You call your agent, provide them with some basic information and let them lead the process. Unfortunately, if you take this approach, you could miss out on all the compensation that’s owed to you.
Here are some insurance claim mistakes to avoid at all costs:
- Trusting your agent: This isn’t to say that your insurance agent is dishonest, but they don’t have your best interests in mind. Your agent will always do what’s best for them and their company, and that means putting your financial well-being at risk.
- Saying too much: Yes, you need to contact your agent to file a claim. But you shouldn’t feel compelled to say too much, too soon. For example, if your agent requests that you make a recorded statement, decline to do so until you review your policy and learn more about your legal rights.
- Accepting a low-ball offer: You desperately want to put your accident behind you, so any offer seems better than none at all. Accepting a low-ball offer could mean missing out on thousands of dollars. If you receive an offer or a check marked as “final payment,” think long and hard before accepting.
- Going at it alone: If you’re involved in a minor fender bender with no injuries, you can file a claim and manage the process on your own. But if you suffered a serious injury that resulted in medical bills and a long-term impact on your health, it’s best to consult with a legal professional who can protect your rights.
Your insurance agent wants you to believe that it’s easy to file a claim, receive compensation and move on with your life. However, this isn’t typically the case, especially if you want to maximize your compensation.
After you understand your injuries, turn your attention to the accident, the claims process and all the steps you can take to protect your legal rights. Don’t let your insurance company get the best of you.
