If you’re involved in a car accident in the Houston area, it’s important you maintain appropriate communication with your insurance company. The following are some “do’s and don’ts” to remember throughout the insurance claims process.
THE DOS
- DO call your agent as soon as possible. The first thing you should do when you get home from the car accident or, if possible, go to the doctor, call your agent.
- DO review your coverage before talking to your insurer or your agent. Read the “Coverage” and “Exclusion” sections of you policy in particular.
- DO keep detailed notes of all conversations with insurance company representatives. Get the names, phone numbers, and job titles of people you speak with, including their supervisor’s name.
- DO consider whether you might have insurance coverage under some other insurance policy as well. Many people have more than one policy that might cover a claim. In particular, look at homeowner policies, “umbrella” policies, and materials that came with your credit cards.
- DO take pictures, if possible, of damage to your vehicle, the accident scene, and your injuries.
- DO be honest with your insurer. Even if it is embarrassing, your insurer needs to know all the facts. Failing to be candid with your insurer might invalidate your policy or cause your claim to be denied.
- DO understand the difference between replacement coverage and depreciated or actual cash value. If your policy provides replacement coverage, don’t settle a personal property loss for “actual cash value.” You may be required to replace the lost items before getting your full reimbursement if you have replacement cost coverage.
- DO keep all receipts of purchases made in connection with time spent pursuing your claim or recovering from your injuries from the time of the covered event until final settlement with your insurance company.
THE DON’TS
- DON’T give any recorded or written statements to your insurer until you had a chance to read and understand your coverage or speak with an attorney. Remember you aren’t required to allow the insurance company to record your telephone conversation. If you have any doubts, call Houston car accident lawyer Erica de Lachica.
- DON’T automatically accept the estimate or appraisal of your losses given to you by the insurer. Insurance companies will often try to get you to accept their estimator’s or contractor’s repair or replacement estimates, which might be a bit low.
- DON’T sign any releases or waivers of any kind until you obtain legal advice. A bad financial situation after a major loss may make it seem necessary for you to accept a premature, inadequate settlement from your insurer. But you may remember destroyed items after you have signed a release as to payment for your personal property inventory or other claims. For these reasons, it is advisable to consult an attorney before signing a release or waiver. Be sure to read the fine print on any payment from the insurance company.
- DON’T accept any check that says “final payment” unless you are ready to do so.
- DON’T ignore time limits set by your policy. Most policies require a signed proof of loss within a certain time limit. Be sure you comply with this requirement unless you obtain a written waiver from your insurance company. Many policies allow you only one year from the date of loss in which to bring a legal action if your claim has not been adjusted fairly. If your claim hasn’t been settled to your satisfaction 11 months after your loss, consult an attorney immediately. A failure to do so could result in the loss of your right to sue.
- DON’T forget that you have a contract with your insurer. Your insurer has a legal obligation to provide the coverage it promised to you. Be insistent about enforcing that obligation.
Do You Have a Valid Claim for Damages? Find Out For Free
Car accidents are the leading cause of personal injury claims in the U.S. While most minor accidents (or “fender benders”) can be resolved through your insurer, accidents resulting in serious injuries or even death are best handled by an experienced injury lawyer. If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident, have your claim reviewed absolutely free by an experienced accident attorney at de Lachica Law Firm.