Dedicated To Helping Injured People

Dedicated To Helping Injured
People

Exterior of Office Building of The Gaar Law Firm | Trail Attorneys

Common mistakes people make when filing a car insurance claim

On Behalf of | Sep 7, 2020 | motor vehicle accidents

Dealing with car insurance can cause people a lot of grief. Some insurance policies seem overly confusing or misleading, and many insurance adjustors search for reasons to deny coverage. One small mistake on a claim can cost a person thousands of dollars.

Understanding the claim process can help people avoid these crucial insurance mistakes. Those involved in a motor vehicle accident can keep the following tips in mind when working with their insurance company.

7 car insurance mistakes to avoid

  1. Filing an incomplete claim: Many people may file a claim without the full picture. Filing a claim without evaluating the vehicle damage or a doctor’s examination will result in an undervalued claim. Professional evaluations can reveal unseen damage to the car or symptoms of whiplash.
  2. Filing an unnecessary claim: On the other hand, some damage may be so minor that filing a claim could cost more. If the repair costs less than the deductible, claimants will not receive insurance payouts. If the repair costs slightly more than the deductible, a claim may cause insurance rates to rise. File only for the big problems.
  3. Not taking pictures: Take copious amounts of photos of the crash site before authorities move any vehicles. Make sure to include surrounding terrain, road conditions, weather, nearby traffic lights, etc.
  4. Not collecting evidence: Photos alone may not be enough. Build a detailed list of all amenities included in the vehicle, including aftermarket parts or equipment. An adjuster may miss non-standard items.
  5. Statements about one’s health: The insurance adjuster may contact the claimant to ask questions about the accident and their health. Claimants who tell the adjustor that they are “fine” or “ok” may have their injuries challenged in court. Claimants should refrain from stating anything definitive about their health when speaking with adjusters.
  6. Filing a false claim: Do not lie about the accident on an insurance claim. The person at fault should admit their responsibility to not void a claim due to misrepresentation.
  7. Providing excessive information: Too much information or elaboration can lead adjustors away from the facts of the crash. Excessive details or reasoning will only help insurance adjustors find reasons to deny a claim.

Before filing a claim, consider legal representation

To help navigate dense insurance paperwork and deal with adjusters, many people find success with a local attorney familiar with Louisiana’s motor vehicle laws. An attorney can answer questions and provide further insight into the insurance claims process.