It's a legal requirement for every automobile owner to have insurance coverage for their vehicle. This guarantees financial protection in case of an accident, car damage, or car theft. However, many car owners complain of car insurance claim rejections or insufficient compensation. This is partly because many complainants make the following mistakes when filing insurance claims.

Not Alerting the Police

Many people avoid calling the police after an accident because they don't want any legal hassles. However, to claim the losses incurred after an accident, you should inform the police.

The other party may try to get you to agree to a settlement to avoid involving the police. You shouldn't agree to this. A police FIR (First Information Report) is a crucial document that insurance adjusters rely on when processing car insurance claims.

Filing a Claim When You Shouldn't

In some cases, if you are involved in an accident that results in minor damages, you shouldn't file a car insurance claim. First, if the repair cost is less than your insurance deductible, your insurer will not compensate you for the accident. In such a scenario, your claim is considered closed.

Also, if your repair cost is a bit higher than your deductible, filing a claim might not be advisable. This will cause you to lose out on the "no claim bonus" discount. This is a discount insurance companies give their clients for not filing any claims during their policy period. Raise claims when the repair cost exceeds the accumulated NCB discount.

Discarding Damaged Parts

Discarding the damaged parts of your property or car after an accident is wrong. These damaged parts are part of the evidence supporting your insurance claim. Tossing away these damaged parts may arouse the suspicion of the insurance company. Sometimes it can be challenging to gather everything after an accident. If some parts are spread out on a busy road, take photos of them before leaving the accident scene.

Lying to the Insurance Provider

It is a crime to lie to your insurance provider. For example, exaggerating the extent of your damages is not legal. Lying to an insurance provider is classified as insurance fraud. Furthermore, if you provide the wrong car insurance details, your provider could cancel your policy. This means you aren't an insured driver and cannot make an insurance claim.

In Closing

When you get a car insurance policy, ask your insurance agent about your deductibles. Knowing the scope of your policy and when to file a claim is also essential. Understanding the terms and conditions of your policy will help you avoid making mistakes when filing a claim.

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

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