Tips For Timely Auto Insurance Claim Settlements

All drivers purchase auto insurance with the expectation that the carrier will settle all claims as soon as possible. However, you also have a role in determining how fast your insurance company settles your claim. Below are tips to help you get timely claim settlements.

Provide Your Insurance Carrier with Accurate Information

Insurance companies use your information to assign risk levels and calculate rates. Provide the insurance company with honest and accurate information in all your dealings. For example, you should list all the drivers in your household if your insurance policy demands it. False information can complicate your claim process.

Report All Accidents and Incidents in Time

Insurance companies want their clients to report accidents and incidents as fast as possible. Many companies even have specific deadlines within which to file the reports. That way, the insurance company can investigate your claim while the evidence remains fresh. Your claim might hit a snag if you delay and the evidence goes stale.

Always Preserve Relevant Evidence

The insurance industry loses a lot of money to fraudsters every year. One way to dispel the suspicion of fraud is to show evidence of your claim. As such, even a genuine claim might rouse suspicion if you don't have evidence for it. For example, you should not rush to repair your car after an accident before taking pictures of the damage and informing your carrier of the same.

Don't Allow Unauthorized Drivers to Operate Your Car

Insurance companies will only compensate your losses if the right person was driving the car at the time of the accident. The right driver should have a valid driving license and should not be listed as excluded from your policy. In short, watch who drives your car, and you won't have to deal with unauthorized driver claims from your car insurer.

Never Let Your Policy Elapse

Your insurance policy is only valid if you have paid for it. Many insurance companies will give you a grace period if your policy elapses and you don't renew it immediately. However, the grace periods are relatively short, and you should not plan with them. Rather, leave the grace periods for unavoidable circumstances, such as illness, that prevent you from paying in time.

Ensure you understand your policy's terms and conditions before any incident or accident occurs. Talk to your auto insurance agent or company for clarification if you need it. Understanding your policy will help you avoid mistakes that can void it.

For more information about auto insurance, contact a local company. 


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