No one looks forward to dealing with an insurance company. You can’t help but feel like they don’t really have your best interests at heart, and instead are looking to mitigate what they have to cover. Sadly, this is the way many insurance companies operate — but they still serve an important purpose. And you have to deal with them after a car accident if you want to effectively handle the logistics of your crash and move on in a timely manner.
So what should you do with your insurance company after a car accident? First, you should read your insurance policy and know what you are covered for. You should then contact your insurance company and inform them about the wreck.
Then you should keep detailed records of many things, such as your conversations with your insurance company, pictures of the accident scene, your medical bills and recovery, and any other receipts or costs you incur as a result of the wreck. Your insurance company may cover those things (willingly or unwillingly).
Also, if you are unsure about how your case is being handled, you should consult with an attorney.
Now, you should avoid a number of behaviors. First of all, you shouldn’t lie to your insurance company. You also shouldn’t agree to any written or recorded statements with your insurance company until you fully understand the ramifications of your case and your policy. You also shouldn’t accept the first offer that your insurance company gives you. Your insurer is legally obligated to cover you, so blindly accepting the first thing they give you is not in your best interests.
Source: FindLaw, “Car Insurance Claims: Dos and Don’ts,” Accessed Feb. 11, 2016
