If you’re injured in a car accident, it’s only natural to receive treatment and then turn your attention to filing an insurance claim. While this is important, getting ahead of yourself can result in a mistake that costs you money in the long run.
Here are four car insurance claim mistakes that are easy to make:
- Providing a recorded or written statement: You’re not required to do so, so it’s good practice to politely decline. It’s best to review your policy and understand your legal rights before speaking with any insurance company representative.
- Signing a waiver or release: Your insurance company may ask you to sign a variety of documents, some of which you don’t understand. Doing so prematurely can put you at risk of receiving less money than you deserve.
- Accepting a check for final payment: You shouldn’t cash a check noted as final payment until you’re sure that you’re ready to bring the claims process to an end. Your insurer may try to slip this past you.
- Don’t get pushed around: Your insurance company may attempt to push you around, hoping you go away without putting up much of a fight. You have a contract with them, so insist that they live up to their obligation.
With so much happening in the days and weeks after a car accident, it’s easy to make one of these car insurance claim mistakes.
After your health is in order, take the next step of reviewing your car insurance policy. From there, file a claim, ask questions of your agent and take whatever steps necessary to protect your legal rights.